ignoramus

[ ig-nuh-rey-muhs, -ram-uhs ]

noun

, plural ig·no·ra·mus·es.

1. an extremely ignorant person.

   Synonyms: simpleton, know-nothing, dunce, fool

ignoramus

/ ˌɪɡnəˈreɪməs /

noun

1. an ignorant person; fool

Word History and Origins

Origin of ignoramus¹

1570–80; < Latin ignōrāmus we ignore (1st person plural present indicative of ignōrāre to be ignorant of, ignore ); hence name of an ignorant lawyer in the play Ignoramus (1615) by the English playwright G. Ruggle, whence current sense

Word History and Origins

Origin of ignoramus¹

C16: from legal Latin, literally: we have no knowledge of, from Latin ignōrāre to be ignorant of; see ignore ; modern usage originated from the use of Ignoramus as the name of an unlettered lawyer in a play by G. Ruggle, 17th-century English dramatist

Example Sentences

It's a difficult discussion, because progressives are already constantly badgered by right-wing accusations that they're an "elite" who "looks down" at Trump voters as ignoramuses.

From Salon

Trump is an ignoramus in most respects, but he's a proven master of this particular strategy.

From Salon

"Such a disgusting post could only be made by a complete ignoramus or an intelligent racist with an agenda. Mr Fox is the latter," she said.

From BBC

In his quest to nail down the position of leading ignoramus in the still nascent presidential race, he has completely pushed aside the previous holder of that chair, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

From Los Angeles Times

The only “deniers” are cranks, ignoramuses and propagandists.

From Seattle Times