IMBECILITY Meaning and
Definition
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Imbecility is a noun that refers to a state of extreme mental weakness or intellectual impairment. It is characterized by an inability to think, reason, or understand complex ideas, resulting in a significant limitation in cognitive functioning.
An individual with imbecility typically displays pronounced intellectual deficiencies and struggles with basic tasks that require cognitive skills, such as problem-solving, memory retention, and comprehension. This condition often manifests itself from birth or early childhood and may be caused by genetic factors, brain damage, or developmental disorders.
Imbecility is considered more severe than mild intellectual disability or learning difficulties but less severe than idiocy, which represents a complete absence of cognitive ability. In medical and psychological classifications, imbecility is often classified as a specific category of intellectual disability, indicating the person's significantly impaired intellectual capacity.
In popular usage, the term imbecility is also employed metaphorically to describe a lack of intelligence or common sense in a particular individual or situation. It conveys a notion of foolishness, incompetence, or absurdity. However, it is important to note that using imbecility in this context can be derogatory and offensive, as it perpetuates stigmatization of individuals with intellectual disabilities.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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Weakness; feebleness of body or mind; defective state of mind not amounting to idiocy.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for IMBECILITY
- umbecility
- jmbecility
- kmbecility
- ombecility
- 9mbecility
- 8mbecility
- inbecility
- ikbecility
- imbaceilty
Etymology of IMBECILITY
The word "imbecility" comes from the Latin term "imbecillitas", which is derived from the Latin word "imbecillus" meaning "weak". The term was originally used to describe physical or mental weakness or a lack of strength. Over time, "imbecility" has specifically come to refer to intellectual or mental weakness, implying a lack of intelligence or incompetence.
Similar spelling words for IMBECILITY
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