dunce

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dunce" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone who is slow to learn or lacks intelligence, often in a derogatory manner. Example: "Despite his efforts, he was often labeled a dunce by his peers for struggling with basic math concepts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With Churchill, they thought he was a dunce, didn't they?

The Guardian

Not all are convinced that Pisa officials should don the dunce cap.

The Guardian

After leaving school with zero qualifications (no dunce, he would attend night school at a later date, and pass his exams with straight As), Carlyle followed his father into the painting and decorating trade.

The Guardian - Film

The students, some wearing dunce caps, refused to leave and organised a series of life drawing classes near the entrance to the central London gallery.

The Guardian

The remainder of the season could all go horribly wrong of course, and if it does I'll look like a prize dunce for saying all this.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

In "School Blues" Daniel Pennac, a prize-winning French writer, describes what faces a school dunce when the teacher before him cannot recall what it felt like to be ignorant.Mr Pennac was once such a child (he uses the French cancre, as in Cancer, the crab: a creature that scuttles sideways instead of advancing forwards).

The Economist

Alejandro Toledo, Mr García's predecessor, doubled teachers' salaries (to an average of $350 a month) but did not tie that to higher standards.In this section Au revoir separatism, bonjour "autonomy" Bachelet tries again Before the sunrise When teacher is a dunce ReprintsIn December, the education ministry announced that all teachers would have to take a proficiency exam.

The Economist

A GOOD teacher, but a dunce at top-level politics.

The Economist

Power struggles in the Chinese Communist Party have changed in form since they were waged among guerrilla fighters denouncing each other in arcane Marxist-Leninist jargon in the caves of Yan'an; or, during the Cultural Revolution, using student-written "big-character posters", dunce caps and mass violence.

The Economist

He retained the chairmanship of Heineken's holding group until last November.It amused him to claim that he was a financial dunce, uninterested in such matters as debt-to-equity ratios.

The Economist

There is something very weird about poring over the SAT scores of a woman who's been sitting on the appellate bench for a decade, as though a dunce might have snuck by unnoticed all this time.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the word "dunce" to emphasize a perceived lack of intelligence or learning ability. It's often used in contexts where someone has failed to grasp basic concepts or has made a foolish mistake.

Common error

Avoid using "dunce" in professional or academic writing. It's generally considered informal and derogatory and can undermine your credibility. Opt for more neutral terms like "inexperienced", "uninformed", or "lacking proficiency".

Linguistic Context

The word "dunce" functions primarily as a noun, typically used to label or describe someone perceived as unintelligent or slow to learn. Ludwig examples confirm this usage, showing it employed in contexts ranging from school settings to political commentary.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Encyclopedias

17%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "dunce" is a noun used to describe someone considered unintelligent or slow to learn. It is generally informal and often carries a derogatory connotation. While grammatically correct, it's advisable to use it with caution, especially in formal contexts, and consider alternative terms depending on the situation. Ludwig shows that "dunce" appears most frequently in news and media, reflecting its common use in commentary and critique, as confirmed by the examples provided.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Dolt

Similar to "dunce", implying slowness in understanding.

Dullard

A person who is slow or stupid.

Fool

A general term for someone lacking intelligence or judgment, less harsh than "dunce".

Blockhead

A derogatory term for a stupid person.

Idiot

A stronger term implying a significant lack of intelligence.

Simpleton

Suggests a lack of intelligence and naivety.

Nitwit

A foolish or stupid person.

Halfwit

A mildly offensive term for someone of low intelligence.

Ignoramus

A person who is ignorant.

Moron

An outdated and offensive term for someone considered very stupid.

FAQs

How can I use the word "dunce" in a sentence?

You can use "dunce" to describe someone considered unintelligent or slow to learn, like in the sentence, "He was labeled a "dunce" in class because he struggled with math."

What are some alternatives to calling someone a "dunce"?

Instead of "dunce", you can use milder terms like "fool", "simpleton", or "dolt" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use the word "dunce" in formal writing?

No, "dunce" is generally considered informal and derogatory. It's best to avoid using it in formal or professional writing; instead, opt for more neutral terms.

What is the historical origin of the word "dunce"?

The word "dunce" comes from John Duns Scotus, a brilliant medieval philosopher. Ironically, his followers were later called "dunce" in a derogatory way during the Renaissance.