ignoramus
Ignoramus (noun) means a person who is strikingly uninformed or unwilling to learn; a fool. Example: “Only an ignoramus would ignore the safety warnings on the label.”
How to use ignoramus
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA blunt, slightly comic put-down for someone who really doesn't know what they're talking about.
Informal and a bit mocking — avoid in professional writing.
Word forms
ignoramused past tense, ignoramuses plural, ignorami plural, ignoramuses plural, ignoramuses singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Only an _____ would ignore the safety warnings on the label.
Etymology
From the name of the foolish lawyer character Ignoramus in George Ruggle's 1615 play of the same name; ultimately from Latin ignoramus, "we do not know."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for ignoramus
See all rhymes for ignoramus →Frequently asked questions
What does “ignoramus” mean?
The word “ignoramus” means a person who is strikingly uninformed or unwilling to learn; a fool. In plain terms, a blunt, slightly comic put-down for someone who really doesn't know what they're talking about.
How do you pronounce “ignoramus”?
“Ignoramus” is pronounced ihg-nuh-RAY-muhs (/ˌɪɡ.nəˈɹeɪ.məs/ in IPA).
How do you use “ignoramus” in a sentence?
Here is “ignoramus” used in a sentence: “Only an ignoramus would ignore the safety warnings on the label.”
What is another word for “ignoramus”?
Words with a similar meaning to “ignoramus” include dunce, jay, know-nothing, lack-latin, mumpsimus and nescient.
What is the opposite of “ignoramus”?
The opposite of “ignoramus” — its antonyms — are genius and scholar.
What part of speech is “ignoramus”?
“Ignoramus” is a noun.
Where does the word “ignoramus” come from?
The word “ignoramus” dates back to around 1615 and comes from Latin. From the name of the foolish lawyer character Ignoramus in George Ruggle's 1615 play of the same name; ultimately from Latin ignoramus, "we do not know.".