ignorance

Everyday

1. Not knowing about something; lack of knowledge or information. tree →
2. Rude or unfriendly behaviour that comes from not knowing or not caring how others feel (in UK English «ignorant» can also mean rude). tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and lessons, ignorance is simply not knowing yet — everyone is ignorant of many things, and learning cures it. In citizenship lessons, ignorance about other people can lead to unfairness and prejudice. Phrases: ignorance is bliss (it can be happier not to know), in ignorance of, out of ignorance, ignorance of the law is no excuse.

Examples

• Ignorance about germs made illnesses spread in the past. tree →
• He said the wrong thing out of ignorance, not to be mean. tree →
• «Ignorance is bliss,» said Mum when I asked how much the dentist costs. tree →
• Learning about other cultures helps fight ignorance. tree →
• Ignorance of the rules is no excuse for cheating. tree →
• I admit my ignorance — I didn't know spiders aren't insects. tree →
• “And who is this Pinocchio?” asked the Marionette, feigning ignorance. tree →

Note

Uncountable: «ignorance», not «an ignorance». Adjective: «ignorant»; verb «ignore» means something different — to deliberately not pay attention. Not knowing something is not the same as being stupid; calling someone «ignorant» is usually rude. In law, «ignorance of the law is no excuse» means you must follow a law even if you did not know it.

In Jewish tradition

Interpretation: Westcott's reading lists ignorance as the opposite of wisdom, one of seven pairs of opposites in Sefer Yetzirah. In the primary lessons: In everyday life and lessons, ignorance is simply not knowing yet — everyone is ignorant of many things, and learning cures it. In citizenship lessons, ignorance about other people can lead to unfairness and prejudice. Phrases: ignorance is bliss (it can be happier not to know), in ignorance of, out of ignorance, ignorance of the law is no excuse.

Examples

• These are double, because their opposites take part in life, opposed to Life is Death; to Peace, War; to Riches, Poverty; to Beauty or Reputation, Deformity or Disrepute; to Wisdom, Ignorance; to Fruitfulness, Sterility; to Power, Slavery. (Sefer Yetzirah, Westcott 1887) tree →

Note

Uncountable: «ignorance», not «an ignorance». Adjective: «ignorant»; verb «ignore» means something different — to deliberately not pay attention. Not knowing something is not the same as being stupid; calling someone «ignorant» is usually rude. In law, «ignorance of the law is no excuse» means you must follow a law even if you did not know it.