simpleton
/'simpltən/
Definition
Noun: A person who is perceived as lacking intelligence, good judgment, or common sense; a foolish or gullible person.
Usage
The word "simpleton" is a noun used to describe someone who is not clever or is easily deceived. It is often considered derogatory and impolite. It typically refers to a person's perceived lack of mental sharpness or practical wisdom.
Examples: * The character in the story was portrayed as a simpleton who believed every tall tale he was told. * Don't treat me like a simpleton; I understand the problem perfectly well. * The scam artists often target simpletons who are too trusting.
Advanced Usage
- "To play the simpleton": To pretend to be foolish or ignorant, often for strategic reasons.
- During the interrogation, he decided to play the simpleton to avoid giving straight answers.
Variants and Related Words
- Simple (adj): While "simple" can mean easy or basic, when describing a person it can be an older, sometimes less harsh synonym for "simpleton," meaning lacking in intelligence or guile. (e.g., )
- Simplicity (n): The quality or condition of being simple. This is not a direct variant for a person but the related abstract noun.
Synonyms
- Fool: A person who acts unwisely or imprudently.
- Dunce: A person who is slow at learning; derived from the name of a medieval scholastic theologian, John Duns Scotus.
- Halfwit: A foolish or stupid person.
- Nincompoop: A silly or foolish person (often used in a less harsh, more humorous way).
Antonyms
- Genius: A person who is exceptionally intelligent or creative.
- Sage: A profoundly wise person.
- Intellectual: A person possessing a highly developed intellect.
Idioms and Phrases
- No simpleton: Used to emphasize that someone is not foolish.
- She agreed to the deal, but she's no simpleton; she had her lawyer review every clause.
Noun
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a person lacking intelligence or common sense
