Definition
Doltish refers to being stupid or foolish.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Adjective
Synonyms
unintelligent, blockheaded, dense, dim, foolish, idiotic, imbecilic, moronic, obtuse, slow, thick, witless.
Antonyms
intelligent, clever, astute, bright, brilliant, smart, quick-witted, sharp, shrewd.
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | None |
| Verb | None |
| Adjective | doltish |
| Adverb | doltishly |
Example Sentences
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The doltish employee forgot to check the spelling of the client’s name before sending the email.
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The doltish teenager decided to jump off the roof of his house into the pool, not realizing how dangerous it could be.
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The doltish driver missed the turn and drove the car into the ditch.
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The politician’s doltish remarks caused a backlash among the electorate, leading to his downfall.
Usage
The adjective doltish is often used to describe someone who is intellectually challenged or who lacks common sense. It is derived from the Middle English word ‘dulte’ meaning foolish, which in turn comes from the Old English word ‘dyllta,’ which means stupefied or foolish. The word is sometimes used interchangeably with ‘stupid’ and ‘simple-minded.’
The prefix ‘dolt-’ is used in several other words with similar meanings, such as dolthead, doltishness, and doltery. The suffix ‘-ish’ is added to a root word to create an adjective meaning ‘having the characteristics of’ or ‘resembling’ something.
Doltishness can often be a result of a lack of education or experience, or it can be innate. People who are doltish tend to make poor decisions, lack judgment, and struggle to learn new information. They may also be prone to making mistakes and suffering from a lack of focus.
In literature, doltish characters often serve as comic relief, and in many cases are the source of humor. They can also be used to highlight the intelligence of other characters or to show the foolishness of certain situations. Overall, doltish individuals are those who lack common sense and are prone to making foolish decisions that can lead to negative consequences.