Spanish word

ignorancia

Pronunciation

IPA/iɣnoˈɾanθja/

Meaning

  • feminine nounignorance

Example

Admitir que uno tiene ignorancia ayuda a aprender.

Admitting that one is ignorant helps one learn.

Illustration for ignorancia (ignorance)

More examples

La ignorancia se supera con preguntas.

Ignorance is overcome by questions.

Core concept

Absence of knowledge about a subject.

Common phrases

  • admitir la ignorancia

    acknowledge one's ignorance

  • por ignorancia

    due to ignorance

  • luchar contra la ignorancia

    combat ignorance

Similar words

desconocimiento: Lack of knowledge or awareness about a specific matter, presented as a neutral fact.

Definition in Spanish

Ausencia de conocimiento o información sobre algo; desconocimiento.

Word origin

From Latin ignorantia, from the verb ignorare 'not to know', originally naming the state of lacking knowledge.

Usage tips

  • In Spanish, 'ignorancia' can sound blunt or accusatory in formal or public contexts, so speakers often use 'no saber' or 'desconocer' in everyday speech to soften the idea.

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word