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"Imbecile" and "idiot" both have French origins. Comparing the meaning of the words' roots provides the answer.

"Imbécille", from Old French, implies the stupidity of the feeble-minded, whereas "idiote", also from Old French, implies mere ignorance. Therefore, an idiot is more intelligent than an imbecile, since idiots can be taught.

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βˆ™ 15y ago
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βˆ™ 1w ago

Both terms are outdated and offensive. It is not appropriate to label individuals in such derogatory terms. Intelligence is a complex and multifaceted trait that cannot be accurately summed up by these outdated labels.

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Q: Who is smarter an imbecile or an idiot?
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What does imbecile mean in french?

idiot or dumb


A disrespectful word starting with 'i'?

idiot, imbecile


What is the synonym for imbecile?

A synonym for "imbecile" is "fool" or "idiot."


Who has the lowest IQ an idiot or imbecile?

In historical classifications of intellectual disabilities, an idiot was considered to have the lowest level of intelligence, followed by an imbecile and then a moron. However, these terms are no longer used in professional contexts due to their negative and outdated connotations. Intelligence is now understood to be a complex and multifaceted trait that cannot be fully captured by a single IQ score.


What is a bad question to ask?

Who has the lowest iq an idiot or imbecile?


Word that means the same as dumb?

Dim, stupid, imbecile, idiot, mute.


Oposite of genius?

Idiot and imbecile are two words that mean the opposite of genius.


You heard the term moridicile before what does this mean?

It is a combination of the words imbecile, moron and idiot.


What were the 3 categories for the mentally retarded in the 1930s?

From the least retarded to the most severe- Moron, Imbecile, and Idiot. For some reason the middle category has faded into disuse. Moron and Idiot are tossed around in casual conversation, but imbecile is rarely used.


What are some words that have the same meaning as the word dolt?

fool, idiot, imbecile, cretin, moron


What is an imbecile?

A term for idiot widely used in the British islands and Europe, not too common in North America and the U.S.An idiot, or a extremely dumb person.


How do you say idiot in french?

idiot --> idiot(e) -- "ee-dyoh (-dyoht)" Note that this word can also be used as an adjective, e.g. "C'était une question idiote."Could be idiot, or idiote, or imbecile, or bete, or cretin.