Meaning of "idiot" in English

The word "idiot" in English refers to a person who is perceived to lack intelligence or common sense. Historically, it had a more clinical meaning, often used to describe individuals with significant intellectual disabilities. In contemporary usage, "idiot" is more often employed colloquially as a term of insult, sometimes in a light-hearted or humorous context, to indicate someone who is acting foolishly or making poor decisions. Using the term, however, can be disrespectful and hurtful, as it demeans the person's intellect or actions.

Meaning of "idiot" in French

In French, "idiot" carries a similar connotation as in English, referring to someone perceived as foolish or lacking in intelligence. In everyday conversation, "idiot" can be used to describe someone who acts without thinking, displaying imprudent or obtuse behavior. While it can be used humorously among friends in a teasing manner, it remains derogatory and is best applied with caution to avoid offending others. Just like in English, it is essential to consider the context and relationship with the person being referred to as an "idiot."

Pronunciation of "idiot" in English

Phonetic Transcription: /ˈɪd.i.ət/

In different English-speaking regions, the pronunciation of "idiot" might vary slightly. For example, in American English, the emphasis is typically on the first syllable: "ID-i-ut." In British English, the pronunciation remains similar, though the vowel sounds may be subtly different due to accent variations.

Pronunciation of "idiot" in French

Phonetic Transcription: /id.jo/

In French, "idiot" is pronounced with a clear "ee" sound for the first syllable, and the "t" is typically silent. Regional accents in France can influence the pronunciation, with slight variations in vowel length or intonation, but the overall pronunciation remains largely consistent across different areas.

Sentence examples in English and translation to French

  1. He's acting like an idiot by not listening to advice. (Il agit comme un idiot en ne suivant pas les conseils.)
  2. Don't be an idiot; think before you speak. (Ne sois pas idiot, réfléchis avant de parler.)
  3. She called me an idiot for forgetting my keys. (Elle m'a traité d'idiot pour avoir oublié mes clés.)
  4. Stop acting like an idiot and focus on your work. (Arrête d'agir comme un idiot et concentre-toi sur ton travail.)
  5. I felt like an idiot after making that mistake. (Je me suis senti idiot après avoir fait cette erreur.)
  6. Even smart people can act like idiots sometimes. (Même les gens intelligents peuvent agir comme des idiots parfois.)
  7. Don't let him call you an idiot; you know your worth. (Ne le laisse pas te traiter d'idiot, tu connais ta valeur.)
  8. The movie portrayed the character as a lovable idiot. (Le film a dépeint le personnage comme un idiot attachant.)
  9. Everyone makes mistakes; it doesn't mean you're an idiot. (Tout le monde fait des erreurs, cela ne signifie pas que tu es idiot.)
  10. It was idiotic of me to forget our appointment. (C'était idiot de ma part d'oublier notre rendez-vous.)

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "idiot" in English

Synonyms: fool, simpleton, imbecile, dunce, nitwit, moron, dullard, dimwit, blockhead, buffoon.

Antonyms: genius, intellect, scholar, sage, savant, mastermind, prodigy, brainiac, expert, authority.

Similar Words: ignoramus, nincompoop, dolt, dope, numbskull, clod, loon, berk, sap, chump.

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "idiot" in French

Synonyms: imbécile, crétin, sot, simplet, nigaud, abruti, stupide, benêt, borné, balourd.

Antonyms: génie, intellectuel, érudit, sage, savant, maître, prodige, cerveau, expert, autorité.

Similar Words: ignorant, simplet, sot, lourdaud, bêta, andouille, cloche, balourd, benêt, gogo.

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