Reading Theme:
Ignorance: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：lack of knowledge (ignorance)
ignorance
/ˈɪɡ.nər.əns/
n.
The state of not knowing or being unaware of a particular fact or topic.
lack of knowledge
➕
/læk əv ˈnɒlɪdʒ/
n.
The condition of not having information or awareness about a specific fact or topic.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'ignorare' (not to know), from 'in-' (not) + 'gnoscere' (to know).
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'I ignore' leads to 'ignorance' – ignoring facts means not knowing.
📖 Example
During the group discussion about climate change, he remained silent due to his ignorance of the subject.
In a discussion on climate change, he stayed quiet because he lacked knowledge about the topic.
🔗 Collocations
ignorance of – not knowing about something specific
blissful ignorance – a state of being happily unaware of unpleasant facts
complete ignorance – total lack of knowledge or information
🔄 Synonyms
unawareness (n.) – the state of not being conscious or informed about something
nescience (n.) – a formal term for lack of knowledge or awareness
innocence (n.) – in some contexts, lack of guilty knowledge or experience
🚫 Antonyms
knowledge (n.) – the state of being aware of information or facts
awareness (n.) – consciousness or perception of something
enlightenment (n.) – the state of having spiritual or intellectual insight
🌱 Derivatives
ignorant (adj.) – lacking knowledge or awareness about something
ignorantly (adv.) – in a manner showing lack of knowledge
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Latin 'ignorantia'. Often cited in legal contexts, e.g., 'ignorance of the law is no excuse,' emphasizing societal value on knowledge.
Meaning 2：lack of education (ignorance)
ignorance
/ˈɪɡ.nər.əns/
n.
A general lack of education, information, or culture, often leading to closed-mindedness or poor judgment.
lack of education
➕
/læk əv ˌɛdʒʊˈkeɪʃən/
n.
A broad deficiency in learning, information, or culture, often leading to closed-mindedness or poor judgment.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
His decision was based on prejudice and ignorance, not on any factual evidence or logical reasoning.
His choice was influenced by bias and a lack of education, not by facts or logical reasoning.
🔗 Collocations
willful ignorance – deliberate refusal to acquire knowledge or information
cultural ignorance – lack of understanding or awareness about other cultures
ignorance is bliss – a proverb meaning sometimes it is better not to know unpleasant truths
🔄 Synonyms
illiteracy (n.) – inability to read or write, often extended to general lack of education
uninformedness (n.) – the state of not having adequate information or knowledge
obtuseness (n.) – slowness to understand or perceive things
🚫 Antonyms
education (n.) – the process of receiving or giving systematic instruction and learning
enlightenment (n.) – the action of enlightening or the state of having knowledge and insight
sophistication (n.) – the quality of being experienced, knowledgeable, and culturally aware
Wordbook
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