different between simpleton vs changeling

English

Etymology

simple +? -ton (as in a surname). Abbreviation of simple Tony or Anthony (Grose 1811 Dictionary). Compare French simplet, Italian semplicione.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?s?mp?lt?n/

Noun

simpleton (plural simpletons)

1. (derogatory) A simple-minded person lacking common sense.
   • 2001 — Eoin Colfer, Artemis Fowl, p 92

     The stranger had crossed a sacred line. He had mentioned the men's mothers. Nothing could get him out of a beating now, even the fact that he was obviously a simpleton. Albeit a simpleton with a good vocabulary.

Translations

Further reading

• simpleton on Wikipedia.Wikipedia

English

Etymology

The noun is derived from change +? -ling (suffix with the sense ‘immature; small’). Sense 6 (“idiot, simpleton”) is from the idea that foolish children had been left by magical creatures (sense 1).

The adjective is derived from the noun.

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /?t?e?n(d)?l??/
• (General American) IPA^(key): /?t??e?nd??l??/
• Hyphenation: change?ling

Noun

changeling (plural changelings)

1. (European folklore, also figuratively) In pre-modern European folklore: an infant of a magical creature that was secretly exchanged for a human infant. In British, Irish and Scandinavian mythology the exchanged infants were thought to be those of fairies, sprites or trolls; in other places, they were ascribed to demons, devils, or witches.

   Synonyms: auf, (both obsolete) oaf
2. (by extension) A person or object (especially when regarded as inferior) secretly exchanged for something else.
3. (by extension, informal, rare) An infant secretly exchanged with another infant deliberately or by mistake; a swapling.
4. (fantasy, science fiction) An organism which can change shape to mimic others; a shape-shifter.

   Synonyms: see Thesaurus:shape-shifter

5. (archaic, also figuratively) A person apt to change their loyalty or thinking; a waverer.

   Synonym: turncoat
6. (obsolete) An idiot, a simpleton.

   Synonyms: see Thesaurus:idiot

Translations

Adjective

changeling (comparative more changeling, superlative most changeling)

1. (archaic, rare) Changeable, fickle, inconstant, wavering.

   Synonyms: see Thesaurus:changeable

References

Further reading

• changeling on Wikipedia.Wikipedia