ignorant

/ˈɪɡnərənt/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈɪɡnərənt/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈig-n(ə-)rənt/ (ame, mw)

ignorant — 形容詞

1. knowing very little or nothing about a particular subject, fact, or situation; n

1.形容詞B1
釋義

無知；不知情

缺乏知識或資訊，不了解某事

knowing very little or nothing about a particular subject, fact, or situation; not having the information needed to understand something.

例句

Tyler was completely ignorant of the local customs when he first arrived in Taiwan.

Tyler 剛到台灣時，對當地習俗一無所知。

ignorant of + noun phrase

Many people remain ignorant about where their food actually comes from.

很多人並不了解他們的食物到底是從哪裡來的。

ignorant about + clause

同義詞
  • uninformed

    focuses on lacking specific information rather than general knowledge; 'uninformed voters'

  • uneducated

    broader — refers to lack of formal education; 'uneducated workforce'

  • clueless

    informal, slangy; stronger sense of complete cluelessness; 'clueless about fashion'

反義詞
  • knowledgeable

    having a lot of information or understanding

  • informed

    having up-to-date or accurate information

  • aware

    knowing that something exists or is happening

文法句型

adjective

ignorant of + noun phrase

ignorant about + noun phrase/clause

用法筆記

Frequently paired with 'of' (ignorant of the facts) or 'about' (ignorant about how the system works). The fixed phrase 'blissfully ignorant' carries an ironic tone — it describes someone who is happily unaware of something unpleasant. In self-reference, 'ignorant' can sound harsh; English learners often prefer 'I don't know much about…' in casual speech.

常見錯誤

❌He was ignorant to the problem.
✅He was ignorant of the problem.
💡The adjective takes 'of' (or 'about'), not 'to'.
❌I am ignorant in math.
✅I don't know much about math.
💡'Ignorant' about yourself can sound overly negative; 'don't know much about' is softer.

2. behaving or speaking in a way that is rude and shows a lack of respect toward ot

2.形容詞B2
釋義

無禮；粗魯

言行不尊重他人，缺乏禮貌

behaving or speaking in a way that is rude and shows a lack of respect toward others, often because the person does not realise their words or actions are offensive.

例句

Vinícius made an ignorant comment about Reema's culture, which offended everyone at the table.

Vinícius 對 Reema 的文化說了一句無禮的話，得罪了在座的所有人。

collocation: ignorant comment

Jenna was embarrassed by her uncle's ignorant behavior toward the waiters at the restaurant.

Jenna 對叔叔在餐廳對待服務生的無禮行為感到難堪。

collocation: ignorant behavior

同義詞
  • rude

    broader and more direct; does not imply lack of awareness

反義詞
  • polite

    showing good manners and respect

  • respectful

    showing proper regard for others

文法句型

adjective

ignorant + noun (remark, comment, behavior)

用法筆記

This sense is stronger than 'rude' or 'impolite' — it adds the nuance that the disrespectful behavior stems from a lack of awareness or understanding, not just bad manners. Common in fixed phrases like 'ignorant remark' or 'ignorant comment,' describing unintentionally offensive statements. Be careful using this sense about a person directly ('you're ignorant') — it is highly insulting.

常見錯誤

❌His comment was very ignorant about her feelings.
✅His comment showed a complete ignorance of her feelings.
💡For the 'rude' sense, 'ignorant about' does not fit; use 'ignorant' as a direct modifier.