imbecile
8 synonyms and 4 antonyms for imbecile, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — An insulting term for a stupid or foolish person.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
An insulting term for a stupid or foolish person.
“He called the driver who cut him off an imbecile.”
Etymology
From Latin imbecillus, meaning "weak" — literally "without a supporting staff."
Full origin of imbecile →Frequently asked questions
What does “imbecile” mean?
The word “imbecile” means an insulting term for a stupid or foolish person. In plain terms, an insulting word for someone acting foolishly or lacking sense.
How do you pronounce “imbecile”?
“Imbecile” is pronounced ihm-buh-SEEL (/ˈɪmbəsɪl/ in IPA).
How do you use “imbecile” in a sentence?
Here is “imbecile” used in a sentence: “He called the driver who cut him off an imbecile.”
What part of speech is “imbecile”?
Depending on how it is used, “imbecile” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “imbecile” come from?
The word “imbecile” comes from Latin. From Latin imbecillus, meaning "weak" — literally "without a supporting staff.".
How many meanings does “imbecile” have?
“Imbecile” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an insulting term for a stupid or foolish person.
