noun
simpleton
SIHM-puhl-tuhn
Simpleton (noun) means a person who lacks common sense or shows poor judgement; a foolish person. Example: “Only a simpleton would sign a contract without reading it.”
noun
1
A person who lacks common sense or shows poor judgement; a foolish person.
"Only a simpleton would sign a contract without reading it."
"The stranger had crossed a sacred line. He had mentioned the men's mothers. Nothing could get him out of a beating now, even the fact that he was obviously a simpleton. Albeit a simpleton with a good vocabulary."
— Eoin Colfer, Artemis Fowl (2001)
How to use simpleton
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn old-fashioned, slightly harsh word for someone who acts foolishly.
When to use it
Fairly dated and insulting — used more in fiction and old-fashioned speech than in everyday modern conversation.
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Word forms
- Plural
- simpletons
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Only a _____ would sign a contract without reading it.
Etymology
From simple plus the ending -ton, on the pattern of a surname — the same joking formation seen in words like "singleton."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for simpleton
Breton
skeleton
Carleton
Appleton
Eagleton
singleton
Middleton
Pendleton
Stapleton
Littleton
Pembleton
Shackleton
See all rhymes for simpleton →
Frequently asked questions
What does “simpleton” mean?
The word “simpleton” means a person who lacks common sense or shows poor judgement; a foolish person. In plain terms, an old-fashioned, slightly harsh word for someone who acts foolishly.
How do you pronounce “simpleton”?
“Simpleton” is pronounced SIHM-puhl-tuhn (/ˈsɪmpəltən/ in IPA).
How do you use “simpleton” in a sentence?
Here is “simpleton” used in a sentence: “Only a simpleton would sign a contract without reading it.”
What part of speech is “simpleton”?
“Simpleton” is a noun.
