ENGLISH
REFERENCE

ignorant

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈɪɡnɝənt// UK //ˈɪɡnəɹənt// ig·no·rant Archaic Slang

adj. not knowing enough about a specific topic or lacking general education. It can also describe someone who is rude because they do not understand how to behave properly.

adj. lacking knowledge, information, or awareness about a particular subject. Often carries a pejorative connotation, implying a willful or shameful lack of education rather than a simple absence of facts.


SIMPLE

He is completely ignorant of the new safety rules.

CONTEXTUAL

Many people remain ignorant of how their personal data is used by social media companies until a major leak occurs.

COMPLEX

The committee's decision was based on an ignorant assumption regarding the local economy, failing to account for the seasonal fluctuations that define the region's primary industry.

Synonyms
Origin

From Old French ignorant, from Latin ignōrāns (“unaware, unknowing”). By surface analysis, ignore + -ant.

Usage

Commonly takes the preposition 'of' when specifying the subject of the lack of knowledge.

Pitfall

He is ignorant about to driveHe is ignorant of how to driveWhen followed by a skill or fact, use 'of' followed by a noun phrase or a 'how to' clause, rather than 'about' with an infinitive.

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