Definition

A person who lacks knowledge or awareness in general; someone who is ignorant.

Example

He acted like an ignoramus when he dismissed the expert's advice without consideration.

Conversation

Can you believe what he said in class today?

I know, right? He sounded like such an ignoramus.

It's surprising how some people can be so unaware.

Totally! It's like they don't even realize how silly they sound.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Ignoramus is derived from the Latin "ignorare" (meaning to not know) and the suffix "-us" (used to form nouns). The term literally means 'we do not know' and is used to refer to someone who is ignorant or lacking knowledge.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not knowing' ('ignorare') to remember that an ignoramus is someone who lacks knowledge.

Visually Confused Words