Definition

Completely or thoroughly something, often used to emphasize a negative quality.

Example

He is an arrant fool for believing that lie.

Conversation

Did you see that movie last night?

Yeah, it was an arrant waste of time!

I know, right? The plot made no sense at all!

Exactly! It was just an arrant mess from start to finish.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Arrant comes from the Old French 'errant', meaning wandering or straying, which is derived from the Latin 'errans', the present participle of 'errare', meaning to wander or stray. The word originally described someone who was wandering or straying, often used in a negative sense to imply someone who is notorious or without merit.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who is 'wandering' or 'straying' — that's why 'arrant' describes someone who is notorious or without merit.

Visually Confused Words