French Conversation · Level 3
88 words
French word
imbécile
Pronunciation
IPA/ɛ̃besil/
Meaning
- noun (m./f.)idiot
Example
Ne sois pas un imbécile.
Don't be an idiot.
More examples
C'est un imbécile.
He is an idiot.
Core concept
A person whose careless words or actions expose shallow judgment.
Common phrases
être un imbécile
be an idiot
faire l'imbécile
act like an idiot
Similar words
idiot: An insult for someone who lacks knowledge or judgment and acts foolishly.
abruti: An insult for someone who seems mentally dull and behaves foolishly.
Definition in French
Personne considérée comme peu intelligente ou dépourvue de bon sens, souvent à cause d'actes ou de paroles irréfléchis.
Word origin
French borrowed imbécile from Latin imbecillus, meaning weak or feeble, and the word later developed its sense of intellectual weakness.
Usage tips
- Imbécile is a strong insult in ordinary speech, so direct use toward another person is usually offensive rather than merely descriptive.