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ignorante

ignorant, uneducated

adjective ee-nyoh-RAHN-teh Rare
Descriptions & Qualities Personality

Origin: From Latin 'ignorantem' (not knowing).

Also means

rude, uncouth

Usage Note

Ignorante is a false friend for English speakers: while 'ignorant' in English mainly means lacking knowledge, Italian ignorante very commonly means poorly educated, uncouth, or badly behaved — closer to English 'rude' or 'crass.' Saying sei ignorante to someone is often more an insult about manners than about factual knowledge. It also functions as a noun: un ignorante (an ignoramus). Invariable in gender; plural is ignoranti.

Examples

"È stato ignorante risponderle in quel modo."

Natural Translation

It was rude to answer her that way.

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