Vocabulary in context
SAT Vocabulary Workbook
The closest companion to SATVocab for students who want guided lessons and written practice.
Check the workbook
Ignorant
Lacking knowledge or awareness about something; not informed or aware in a given context.
adjectiveCheck this word before you leave
Pick the meaning. Keys A–D work too.
How well do you know this word now?
Your choice schedules the next review.
💡
Imagine This
Picture a traveler in a foreign country who refuses to learn the local language and customs, treating them as unimportant and remaining ignorant of how to interact respectfully with people there.
🔊
Sounds Like
ˈɪɡ.nə.rənt (IG-nuh-ruhnt)
👀
Looks Like
Looks like the word 'ignore' with an ending '-ant' (ignore + ant); visually related to 'ignorance' and 'ignorant'.
📝
Remember This
Etymology comes from Latin ignorans, from ignorare 'to not know'; the word is the adjective form of lacking knowledge, not a commentary on intelligence.
📚
Other Forms
ignorancenoun
ignorantlyadverb
🔗
Connect With
uninformed, unaware, naive, oblivious, informed (opposite), knowledge
📌
Note
Avoid using 'ignorant' as a general insult about a person; specify what they are ignorant of (e.g., 'ignorant of the tax code'). Also note the phrase 'willful ignorance' refers to consciously avoiding learning new information.
🧠
Study Deeper
Examples
- She was ignorant of the local customs and unintentionally offended her hosts.
- Many voters are ignorant about the specifics of the policy.
Synonyms
uninformedunawarenaiveill-informeduneducated
Antonyms
informedknowledgeableawareenlightened
Etymology
From Latin ignorant-, from ignorare 'to not know'; entered English via Old French/Latin roots, with the sense of lacking knowledge distinguishing it from intelligence.
Mnemonic
IGNORE + ANT: Picture an ant who always ignores everything around it; this ant is ignorant because it lacks knowledge of its surroundings.
Next Word
Continue in alphabetical order.
Try a Random Word
Pick any word below to jump in.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abstruse
adjectiveDifficult to understand; obscure or highly complex.
Accidental
adjectiveHappening by chance or without deliberate planning; not intended. In music, it is also a noun for a symbol that temporarily alters a pitch.
Acerbic
adjectiveSharp or biting in tone or taste; caustic or mordant in manner.
Acquiescent
adjectiveReady to agree or approve without protest; compliant.
Adamant
adjectiveRigid in opinion or purpose; not willing to change one's mind or position.
Adept
adjectiveHaving or showing a high level of skill or proficiency; very capable.
Study beyond this word
Turn vocabulary practice into a complete SAT plan
Add a workbook for repetition or the official guide for full-test context.
First-time test takers
Official SAT Guide
Official question styles, test structure, and print practice from the College Board.
Check the official guidePaid Amazon links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.