know-nothing
Definition
- Noun:
- An ignorant person: "know-nothing" refers to a person who is completely uninformed or lacks knowledge about a particular subject or in general.
- A member of a 19th-century political group: Historically, "Know-Nothing" was a member of the American Know-Nothing Party, which was anti-immigrant and anti-Catholic.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- He is a know-nothing when it comes to science. (He is ignorant about scientific matters.)
- The politician was dismissed as a know-nothing by the press. (The politician was considered uninformed and unqualified.)
Advanced Usage
"know-nothing attitude": a disposition of willful ignorance or refusal to learn.
- Her know-nothing attitude toward global warming is frustrating. (She deliberately avoids understanding the issue.)
"to play the know-nothing": to pretend to be ignorant for strategic reasons.
- The detective played the know-nothing to get the suspect to speak freely. (He feigned ignorance to gain information.)
Variants and Related Words
Know-nothingism (n): the practice or belief of remaining ignorant; also refers to the political movement of the Know-Nothing Party.
- Know-nothingism is dangerous in an era of information. (Willful ignorance is harmful.)
Know-nothingish (adj): having the characteristics of a know-nothing.
- His know-nothingish comments revealed his lack of education. (His remarks showed ignorance.)
Synonyms
- Ignoramus: an ignorant or stupid person.
- Simpleton: a person lacking intelligence or common sense.
- Numskull: a foolish or stupid person.
Related Idioms
"Ignorance is bliss": a proverb meaning that not knowing something can be more comfortable than knowing it.
- He remains a know-nothing because he believes ignorance is bliss. (He stays uninformed to avoid worry.)
"A know-nothing's opinion": an uninformed or uneducated viewpoint.
- Don't take advice from a know-nothing's opinion. (Do not listen to an ignorant person's views.)