Words / B2

IGN-uh-r-uh-nt/ˈɪɡnərənt/

Ignorant means not knowing facts, or rude through lack of awareness: ignorant of the rules; an ignorant remark. Unaware is milder; stupid is an insult and not a synonym. The tweet was called ignorant of safeguarding. Noun: ignorance (already in the dictionary). Do not use it as a casual insult in coursework.

Meaning

Not knowing about something; also rude through lack of awareness.

Examples

• “The briefing called the tweet ignorant of the safeguarding rules.”
• “Ignorant of the embargo, a parent posted the grades, which is the “not knowing” sense.”

Good to know

ignorant of + noun. Milder: unaware. Noun: ignorance. Loaded if aimed at a person. News and ethics. Not a synonym of stupid.

Near in meaning

unaware

New