Synonyms for imbecility


Grammar : Noun
Spell : im-buh-sil-i-tee
Phonetic Transcription : ˌɪm bəˈsɪl ɪ ti

Top 10 synonyms for imbecility Other synonyms for the word imbecility

Définition of imbecility

Origin :
  • early 15c., "physical weakness, feebleness (of a body part), impotence," from Middle French imbécillité and directly from Latin imbecillitatem (nominative imbecillitas) "weakness, feebleness," from imbecillus "weak, feeble," traditionally said to mean "unsupported" (quasi sine baculo), from assimilated form of in- "not, opposite of" (see in- (1)) + baculum "a stick" (see bacillus). "Weakness in mind" (as opposed to body) was a secondary sense in Latin but was not attested in English until 1620s.
  • noun foolishness
Example sentences :
  • Young Lady, who reads Dickens (wiping away the tear of imbecility).
  • Extract from : « Punchinello, Vol. 1, No. 7, May 14, 1870 » by Various
  • His awkwardness is fearful, and gives the impression of imbecility.
  • Extract from : « Theaetetus » by Plato
  • Nothing but imbecility or treachery could have controlled his conduct.
  • Extract from : « Three Years in the Federal Cavalry » by Willard Glazier
  • We commented adversely upon the imbecility of that telegraphic style.
  • Extract from : « Heart of Darkness » by Joseph Conrad
  • The only thing that at this distance of time strikes me as miraculous is the extent of my imbecility.
  • Extract from : « Lord Jim » by Joseph Conrad
  • He wants "to put Impotence and Imbecility upon us for Simplicity."
  • Extract from : « Parodies of Ballad Criticism (1711-1787) » by William Wagstaffe
  • He would demonstrate their imbecility and his own greatness by his works.
  • Extract from : « Art in England » by Dutton Cook
  • Pecksniff should have been retired ten years ago—for imbecility.
  • Extract from : « Warrior Gap » by Charles King
  • May the good Lord be with us, and deliver us from idleness and imbecility; and especially, O!
  • Extract from : « The Citizen-Soldier » by John Beatty
  • Before you go, monsieur, give me some explanation of this imbecility!
  • Extract from : « Beyond » by John Galsworthy

Antonyms for imbecility

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019