idiocy

/'idiəsi/

Thân thiện

Definition

Noun: 1. Extreme stupidity or foolishness: The state or quality of being profoundly stupid, senseless, or lacking in intelligence or good judgment. 2. (Archaic, clinical) Extreme mental deficiency: In older medical or legal terminology, a state of profound intellectual disability or mental retardation.

Usage

The word "idiocy" is a formal and strong noun used to describe an action, statement, or situation of profound and often shocking stupidity. It is more severe than "foolishness" or "silliness" and can be considered offensive, especially in its historical clinical sense. It is typically used in contexts of criticism, frustration, or condemnation.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The decision to cut the budget for safety inspections was pure idiocy.
  • He was speechless at the idiocy of their plan.
  • (Historical/Archaic) The old law referred to individuals with certain conditions as being in a state of idiocy.

Advanced Usage

• "The height of idiocy" / "The pinnacle of idiocy": Used to emphasize that something represents the most extreme or ultimate example of foolishness.
  • Driving in a hurricane is the height of idiocy.

Variants and Related Words

• Idiot (n): A person who acts in a profoundly stupid way. (Note: This term is now widely considered a strong pejorative and should be used with extreme caution.)
• Idiotic (adj): Having the qualities of an idiot; profoundly stupid.
  • It was an idiotic thing to say.

Synonyms

• Stupidity: Lack of intelligence or common sense. (Less formal and severe than )
• Folly: Lack of good sense; foolishness. (Often has a literary or formal tone)
• Imbecility: Foolishness or stupidity. (Shares a similar historical clinical origin with and is also very strong)
• Absurdity: The quality or state of being ridiculous or wildly unreasonable.

Antonyms

• Wisdom
• Intelligence
• Sagacity
• Prudence

Idioms and Phrases

• Sheer idiocy: Used for emphasis to mean complete and utter foolishness.
  • The policy was an act of sheer idiocy.

Học thuật

Noun

1. extreme mental retardation

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