noun

dunce

duhns

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Dunce (noun) means someone regarded as slow-witted or foolish, especially at learning. Example: “He felt like a dunce when he couldn't answer the simplest question.”

noun

Someone regarded as slow-witted or foolish, especially at learning.

"He felt like a dunce when he couldn't answer the simplest question."

"The teacher never called any student a dunce, but the old-fashioned dunce cap made the insult famous."

How to use dunce

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA mildly old-fashioned, somewhat insulting word for someone who seems dim or bad at schoolwork.

Memory tip

It's associated with the "dunce cap" image from old classrooms, so it often carries a slightly comic, storybook feel rather than a harsh modern insult.

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Common pairings

dunce cap call someone a dunce

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: dunces

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He felt like a _____ when he couldn't answer the simplest question.

Etymology

From the name of the medieval philosopher John Duns Scotus — ironically a brilliant scholar. When Renaissance thinkers mocked his followers as old-fashioned, "dunce" shifted from meaning "stubborn traditionalist" to simply "stupid person."

Synonyms

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fool dolt blockhead ignoramus dimwit simpleton dunderhead bonehead fuckhead hammerhead knucklehead dumbass

Antonyms

luminary scholar

Related words

chance stupid idiot fool scholar dope goose sage

Rhymes for dunce

ounce bounce pounce announce denounce renounce pronounce

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Frequently asked questions

What does “dunce” mean?

The word “dunce” means someone regarded as slow-witted or foolish, especially at learning. In plain terms, a mildly old-fashioned, somewhat insulting word for someone who seems dim or bad at schoolwork.

How do you pronounce “dunce”?

“Dunce” is pronounced duhns (/dʌns/ in IPA).

How do you use “dunce” in a sentence?

Here is “dunce” used in a sentence: “He felt like a dunce when he couldn't answer the simplest question.”

What part of speech is “dunce”?

“Dunce” is a noun.

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