ignorant
IG-ner-unt
/ˈɪɡ.nər.ənt/
Lacking knowledge, information, or awareness about a particular subject.
Technically means uneducated or uninformed on a topic; can sometimes be felt as offensive if mistaken for stupidity.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'ignorantem', combining 'in-' (not) with 'gnarus' (knowing, aware). It shares distant ancient heritage with words like 'know' and 'cognition', rooted in the basic human state of not knowing something.
Word relationships
- uninformed: Uninformed is polite and neutral; ignorant can sound stronger or more critical.
- unaware: Unaware refers to situational lack of notice; ignorant refers to lack of systemic knowledge.
- knowledgeable: Knowledgeable means possessing vast, accurate information.
- educated: Educated implies formal learning and mental cultivation.
Commonly confused with
- ignore: Ignore is deliberate (choosing not to pay attention); ignorant is state-based (simply not knowing).
Word family
- ignorance (noun): Lack of knowledge, education, or awareness.
- ignorantly (adverb): In an ignorant manner.
Collocations
- ignorant of
- woefully ignorant
- completely ignorant
- remain ignorant
Idioms & expressions
- ignorance is bliss
Example sentences
- "Being ignorant of local customs can cause unintended offense when traveling abroad." Educational philosophy
- "Many citizens remained ignorant of the new vaccination guidelines until flyers were posted." Public health campaign
Memory hook
An IGNO-rant person IGNO-res facts because they don't know them yet. Lacking knowledge.
When not to use
Do not use 'ignorant' as a synonym for 'rude' in formal English, even though dialectal usage sometimes does.
Fun facts
- The famous phrase 'Ignorance is bliss' comes from Thomas Gray's 1742 poem 'Ode on a Distant Prospect of Eton College'.
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