Definition
Imbecilic refers to something that is foolish or stupid, often used to describe a person’s actions or behavior.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Adjective
Synonyms
idiotic, foolish, stupid, senseless, brainless, moronic, unintelligent, absurd, ridiculous, asinine, nonsensical.
Antonyms
intelligent, sensible, astute, clever, wise, smart, discerning, logical, reasonable.
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | imbecility, imbecilities, imbecile, imbeciles |
| Verb | None |
| Adjective | imbecilic, imbecile |
| Adverb | None |
Example Sentences
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The CEO’s decision to invest in a fake company was not just risky but also imbecilic.
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He looked imbecilic as he tried to fix the broken shelf with duct tape.
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The politician’s imbecilic statements only served to damage his reputation.
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I have no tolerance for this kind of imbecilic behavior in my classroom.
Usage
Imbecilic is a word used to describe something that lacks common sense and intelligence, whether it’s an action, behavior, or statement. It is often used to critique or criticize those who exhibit foolish or absurd behavior. The word imbecilic is an adjective that is derived from the noun ‘imbecile.’ The noun ‘imbecile’ is derived from the Old French ‘imbecile’ which means weak or feeble-minded.
There are several variations of the word imbecilic such as imbecility, imbecileness, and imbecilicly. Imbecility is a noun that means the state of being foolish or lacking intelligence. Imbecileness is another noun that refers to the quality or state of being imbecilic. Imbecilicly is an adverb that means something is done in a foolish or unintelligent manner.
The prefix “im-” in “imbecilic” means not or lacking, indicating the opposite of the desired trait of intelligence. This prefix is commonly used in English language to negate the meaning of words, such as incredible (not believable), impossible (not possible), and imperfect (not perfect), among others.
In general, the word imbecilic is used to criticize something or someone who acts foolishly or unintelligently, and is a widely used term in literature, media, and everyday conversations. It is important to use this word with caution, as it can come off as an insult if not used properly or in an inappropriate context.