The Greek roots of the word 'idiot'

'Idiot' is a word borrowed from Greek 'idiōtēs'. The word entered the English language some time around the 14th century.

idiot [noun] [14th century]

• a person affected with extreme mental retardation
• a foolish or stupid person

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Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French 'ydiote' from Latin 'idiota' ignorant person, from Greek 'idiōtēs' one in a private station, layman, ignorant person, from 'idios' one's own, private; akin to Latin 'suus' one's own

See more loan words from 1300s.