Ignorant

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Ignorant

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

adjective

Pronunciation

IG-nuh-runt  /ˈɪɡn(ə)r(ə)nt/

Definition

Lacking knowledge or awareness in general, or about a specific subject; uninformed; in British informal usage, rude or discourteous (from ignorance of social rules).

Plain meaning

Ignorant means not knowing something — either in general (an ignorant person has little education or knowledge) or specifically (ignorant of the details means not knowing the particular facts). In British informal English, ignorant can also mean rude or ill-mannered — that was ignorant behaviour. The word is used both as a factual description and as an insult.

Register

Neutral when used factually about specific knowledge gaps (ignorant of the details); slightly critical when used of general knowledge (an ignorant response); insulting in British informal use for rudeness. The word requires careful handling in sensitive contexts.