different between imprudence vs idiocy

English

Etymology

From im- +? prudence. From Middle French imprudence, from Latin imprudentia.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?m?p?u?dn?s/
• Hyphenation: im?pru?dence

Noun

imprudence (usually uncountable, plural imprudences)

1. (uncountable) The quality or state of being imprudent; lack of prudence, caution, discretion or circumspection.
2. (countable) An imprudent act.

Synonyms

(lack of prudence): indiscretion; inconsideration; rashness; heedlessness

Translations

References

• imprudence in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911.
• imprudence in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.

French

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /??.p?y.d??s/

Noun

imprudence f (plural imprudences)

1. imprudence, rashness

Related terms

• imprudent

Further reading

• “imprudence” in Trésor de la langue française informatisé (The Digitized Treasury of the French Language).

English

Alternative forms

• idiotcy (archaic)

Etymology

From French idiotie, from Old French idiot. Displaced earlier idiotacy, idiotry.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /??di.?si/

Noun

idiocy (countable and uncountable, plural idiocies)

1. (dated, psychology, now derogatory) The state or condition of being an idiot; the quality of having an intelligence level far below average; mental retardation; intellectual disability.
2. An act lacking intelligence or sense; an instance of senselessness; extremely foolish behaviour.

Synonyms

• imbecility
• stupidity

Related terms

• idiot
• idiotic
• idiotically
• idiocracy

Translations

References

• idiocy at OneLook Dictionary Search

Anagrams

• dioicy