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dunce

dunce

11 6.1
A person who learns slowly or has trouble understanding
  • noun
  • /dʌns/
  • Offensive
translation icon : tonto
  • She called him a dunce when he forgot the answer to the simple question.
  • dunce cap

It asks me what time, then when I say when I get to work, you're dunce. It navigates me there.

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Examples

  • Do you take me for a dunce?

  • Don't be a dunce; it's important to pay attention in class.

  • Now go put your dunce cap on and stand in the corner for half an hour.

    Blog text (7)
  • I'm a dunce, a hopeless case.

  • I always knew Fissolini was a dunce, but I never expected him to do this.

    Fiction book (2001)
  • You've always been such a dunce.

  • On his head, instead of a crown, there had turned out to be a dunce's cap.

    Fiction book (1999)
  • And maybe kids will improve their academics instead of being considered dunces of the world.

    Blog text (10)
  • But even a dunce must see how ludicrous the idea of negotiating with Hamas is.

    Blog text (17)
  • Don't be a dunce.

Synonyms

dummy
vsdunce
  • Offensive
115 6.0

A person who is seen as stupid or makes simple mistakes

highlights slow learning as well as basic lack of understanding
dumbass
vsdunce
  • Offensive
88 9.9

A rude word for someone who does something very stupid

is a milder neutral label for slow learning or low intellect
shithead
vsdunce
  • Offensive
55 9.9

A rude word for a person who is very stupid and unpleasant

is a neutral term used for slow learning or lack of intellect
bonehead
vsdunce
  • Offensive
43 7.9

A person who does silly things without thinking

also covers slow learning rather than only poor judgment
knucklehead
vsdunce
  • Offensive
42 8.1

A person who behaves in a foolish way

is more neutral, focusing on slow learning not just insult
fuckhead
vsdunce
  • Offensive
18 9.9

A rude insulting word for someone who is very stupid or unpleasant

is a neutral description for slow learning or low intelligence
dimwit
vsdunce
  • Offensive
14 7.7

A person who is not very smart

is used for slow learners as well as mildly foolish people
blockhead
vsdunce
  • Offensive
12 8.2

A person who is stupid or slow to understand things

is more about general lack of intelligence than slow learning
ignoramus
vsdunce
  • Offensive
12 8.3

A person who does not know much

refers instead to poor learning ability or low intelligence
lunkhead
vsdunce
  • Offensive
5 9.7

A person who is not very smart

is the neutral term for slow learning or limited intelligence
numskull
vsdunce
  • Offensive
4 8.9

A person who is very stupid

is broader, covering slow learning without strong insult
dunderhead
vsdunce
  • Offensive
3 9.1

A person who often does foolish things or makes simple mistakes

stresses slowness to learn in addition to simple unintelligence
hammerhead
vsdunce
  • Offensive
3 8.4

A rude word for someone who is not smart

is used more broadly for slow learners as well as blunt insults
lamebrain
vsdunce
  • Offensive
3 9.3

A person who is not very smart

is more neutral, covering slow learning or lack of intelligence
dumbo
vsdunce
  • Offensive
2 8.7

A person who is not very smart

is more neutral and often describes slow learning rather than harsh insult
stupid
vsdunce
  • Offensive
1 2.7

A person who is not intelligent and often makes poor choices

also covers slow learning in addition to low mental ability
muttonhead
vsdunce
  • Offensive
1 9.9

A person who acts in a silly or stupid way

is used neutrally to include slow learners as well as fools
dumbhead
vsdunce
  • Offensive
1 9.8

A rude word for a person who is very stupid

is milder, focusing on slow learning rather than strong insult
simple
vsdunce
  • Offensive
1 9.9

A person who is not very intelligent

is stronger and often includes being slow to learn
lackwit
vsdunce
  • Offensive
1 9.9

A person who is silly and not very clever

is the modern neutral term for slow learning or low intellect
pudding head
vsdunce
  • Offensive
1 9.9

A person who is not very smart

is the neutral description for slow learning without playfulness
loggerhead
vsdunce
  • Offensive
1 9.9

A person who is very stupid or foolish

is a neutral term that also covers slow learners
pudden-head
vsdunce
  • Offensive
9.9

A person who is not very smart

is more formal and refers to slow learning or low intelligence
der-brain
vsdunce
  • Offensive
9.9

A person who acts foolishly or forgets things

focuses more on slow learning rather than forgetfulness
morosoph
vsdunce
  • Offensive
9.9

A person who knows a lot but acts foolish

focuses on slow learning or low intelligence rather than learned foolishness

Antonyms

281 4.1

A person with deep knowledge who studies a subject carefully for many years

252 4.9

A person with very strong intelligence or creative skill

72 5.9

The ability to think clearly and understand difficult ideas

Compounds

1 9.2

A pointed paper hat teachers put on a student as punishment in old classrooms

How Stupid

idiot
  • Offensive
1.2
moron
  • Slur
483 8.1
fool
  • Offensive
1.4
dunce
  • Offensive
11 6.1
simpleton
  • Offensive
21 7.3
slow study
  • Slur
7.2

Surface Forms

dunce singular
dunces plural

Etymology

Dunce comes from a teacher long ago named Duns, and his students were once called 'Dunses'. Over time the name was used for learners who would not accept new ideas, so it became an insult for someone 'slow to learn'.