dunce
|dunce|
B2
/dʌns/
slow learner
Etymology
Etymology Information
'dunce' originates from the name of John Duns Scotus, a medieval scholar, whose followers were ridiculed as being slow-witted.
Historical Evolution
'dunce' changed from the followers of 'Duns' being called 'Dunsmen' and eventually became the modern English word 'dunce'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it referred to followers of Duns Scotus, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a slow learner'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who is slow to learn or lacks intelligence.
He was often called a dunce in school because he struggled with math.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39