noun
cretin
KREH-tihn
Cretin (noun) means an insulting term for a stupid or foolish person. Example: “Only a cretin would sign a contract without reading it.”
noun
1
An insulting term for a stupid or foolish person.
"Only a cretin would sign a contract without reading it."
How to use cretin
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA rude word for someone acting foolishly.
When to use it
Offensive; historically used as a medical term for a condition caused by congenital hypothyroidism, a usage now considered outdated and derogatory.
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Word forms
- Plural
- cretins
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Only a _____ would sign a contract without reading it.
Etymology
From French crétin, ultimately from a dialectal Alpine form of "chrétien" ("Christian"), once used sympathetically of poor or vulnerable people before the word narrowed and turned into an insult.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for cretin
See all rhymes for cretin →Frequently asked questions
What does “cretin” mean?
The word “cretin” means an insulting term for a stupid or foolish person. In plain terms, a rude word for someone acting foolishly.
How do you pronounce “cretin”?
“Cretin” is pronounced KREH-tihn (/ˈkɹiːtɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “cretin” in a sentence?
Here is “cretin” used in a sentence: “Only a cretin would sign a contract without reading it.”
What part of speech is “cretin”?
“Cretin” is a noun.
Where does the word “cretin” come from?
The word “cretin” comes from French. From French crétin, ultimately from a dialectal Alpine form of "chrétien" ("Christian"), once used sympathetically of poor or vulnerable people before the word narrowed and turned into an insult.
