IMBECILIC Meaning and
Definition
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Imbecilic is an adjective that describes something or someone as exceedingly foolish, stupid, or lacking intelligence. The term originated from the obsolete medical classification of "imbecile," which referred to a person with a degree of mental retardation or below-average intellect. Over time, the connotation of imbecilic has broadened to characterize not only intellectual deficiencies but also various forms of thoughtlessness or irrationality.
When used to describe an individual, imbecilic implies a significant lack of mental capacities that results in poor decision-making, foolish behavior, or an inability to grasp basic concepts. It suggests an extreme level of cognitive inadequacy or mental incompetence. It can be applied to both intellectual and emotional aspects of a person's character, indicating a profound lack of intelligence or common sense.
Imbecilic can also be used to describe actions, ideas, or situations that are completely senseless or illogical. It denotes an irrational or nonsensical nature, often resulting in negative consequences or outcomes. Imbecilic behavior or decisions may appear inherently foolish, reflecting a significant lack of judgment or understanding.
When employed figuratively, imbecilic is typically intended to convey strong disapproval or criticism, emphasizing a severe form of idiocy or incompetence. It indicates a substantial departure from rationality or logical thinking, portraying something as excessively ignorant, absurd, or unintelligent in nature.
Top Common Misspellings for IMBECILIC *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for IMBECILIC
Etymology of IMBECILIC
The word "imbecilic" comes from the noun "imbecile", which originates from the French term "imbécile". The French term is derived from the Latin word "imbecillus", which combines the prefix "im-" (meaning "not") with "bacillus" (meaning "stick" or "staff"). "Bacillus" in Latin could also refer to a walking stick or crutch, and it is thought that "imbecillus" was used metaphorically to indicate someone lacking mental or intellectual support, hence being weak-minded or feeble-minded. Over time, the term "imbecile" took on the meaning of a person with significantly below-average intelligence or someone incapable of normal mental development. Consequently, "imbecilic" emerged as an adjective to describe something associated with imbeciles or exhibiting characteristics of imbecility.
Similar spelling words for IMBECILIC
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