know nothing
Definition
- Noun:
- An ignorant person: A person who lacks knowledge, information, or awareness about a particular subject or in general. The term often implies a willful or stubborn lack of knowledge.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- He dismissed his critics as a bunch of know nothings who hadn't read the research.
- In the debate, she felt like a know nothing compared to the experts on the panel.
Advanced Usage
- Historical Context (Know-Nothing Party): In U.S. history, "Know-Nothing" was the common name for the American Party, a prominent political movement in the 1850s characterized by anti-immigrant and anti-Catholic sentiment. Members were called "Know-Nothings" because, when asked about the secretive activities of their organizations, they were supposed to reply, "I know nothing."
- The Know-Nothing movement gained significant political power for a brief period before the Civil War.
Variants and Related Words
- Ignoramus (noun): A person who is ignorant or stupid.
- He's a complete ignoramus when it comes to modern art.
- Philistine (noun): A person who is hostile or indifferent to culture and the arts.
- He was called a philistine for his dislike of classical music.
Synonyms
- Ignoramus
- Dunce
- Simpleton
- Novice (less pejorative, implies inexperience rather than willful ignorance)
Related Idioms
- To be in the dark: To be unaware or uninformed about something.
- I'm completely in the dark about the company's new plans.
- To not have a clue: To know nothing at all about a situation or subject.
- When it comes to fixing cars, I don't have a clue.
Noun
-
an ignorant person
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