l’imbecille
idiot
Definition & meaning
The word imbecille is a noun or adjective used to describe a person who lacks intelligence, good judgment, or common sense. It is a derogatory term used to call someone a fool, an idiot, or a moron.
In its primary usage, it refers to someone acting in a foolish or stupid manner. Historically, the term was also used in a clinical or medical sense to describe a person with a level of mental disability, but this usage is now considered archaic, highly offensive, and inappropriate in modern contexts.
Grammar & Word origin
Grammatically, imbecille acts as an adjective that does not change its ending in the singular form (ending in -e for both masculine and feminine). In the plural, it becomes imbecilli.
The etymology of the word comes from the Latin imbecillus (or imbecillis), which literally meant "weak" or "feeble," originally referring to physical weakness (from the prefix in- meaning "without" and baculum meaning "staff," suggesting a person who needs a staff to walk because they are frail). Over time, the meaning shifted from physical frailty to mental or intellectual weakness.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
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Examples
Sei davvero imbecille oggi.adjective
You are being a real idiot today.
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