dotard
Noun: 1. A person, especially an old person, whose mental faculties have declined due to old age; a person in their dotage. The word specifically implies that advanced age has impaired the person's intellect, judgment, or mental sharpness, often leading to foolish or childish behavior.
The word "dotard" is a formal and somewhat archaic term. It is almost always used pejoratively to describe an elderly person perceived as weak-minded, foolish, or senile due to age. Its use in modern English is rare and can be considered harsh or disrespectful.
- The cruel prince dismissed his wise old advisor as a dotard who could no longer understand the affairs of state.
- In the play, the young characters mock the dotard for his forgetfulness and repetitive stories.
- She refused to be treated like a dotard, insisting on managing her own finances despite her advanced years.
- In historical or literary contexts: The term is most commonly encountered in classic literature, historical texts, or period dramas to describe a senile old character.
- "The king, in his final years, became a mere dotard, a figurehead manipulated by his courtiers."
- Dotage (noun): The period of life in which a person is in a state of dotard; senility.
- He was a brilliant scientist, but spent his dotage in confused silence.
- Dote (verb): To be excessively fond of. (Note: While "to dote on" someone means to adore them, the historical connection is through the idea of being foolishly fond or exhibiting the foolishness of a dotard).
- The grandmother dotes on her youngest grandson.
- Senile person: A more modern and clinical, though still often impolite, term.
- Old fool: A less formal, more direct insult.
- Geezer (slang, often derogatory): An old man, sometimes with connotations of eccentricity or irritability.
The core meaning of "dotard" is intrinsically linked to the decline of intellect with age. It is not a neutral term for an elderly person (like "senior" or "elder") but a specific insult questioning their mental competence. Its use should be approached with caution due to its offensive nature.
-
an oldster in his dotage; someone whose age has impaired his intellect
Khám phá thêm
Các từ liên quan
Từ gần giống
