Spell Bee Word: dunce

Basic Details

Word: Dunce

Part of Speech: Noun

Meaning: A person who is slow to learn or lacks intelligence; often used as a teasing term.

Synonyms: Dullard, simpleton, ignoramus

Antonyms: Genius, scholar, intellect

Idioms and Phrases

1. Play the dunce: To act foolishly or show a lack of understanding in a situation. Example: "When he didn't study for the test, he ended up playing the dunce in front of the whole class."
2. Not the sharpest tool in the shed: Used to describe someone who may not be very smart, akin to being a dunce. Example: "She forgot her own birthday, so I guess she's not the sharpest tool in the shed."

Usage Examples

Example 1: Even though he sometimes acted like a dunce, everyone knew he had a kind heart.

Example 2: The teacher was patient with the students, never calling anyone a dunce for struggling with their lessons.

Example 3: Although he felt like a dunce when he got the answers wrong, he was determined to study harder for the next quiz.

Fun Fact

The term "dunce" originated from the name of John Duns Scotus, a scholar in the 14th century. His followers were mocked as being slow thinkers, and over time, the term evolved to mean someone lacking intelligence.

Famous Quote

"I am a dunce, but I have never lost the will to learn." – Unknown

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. What does "dunce" mean?

a) A clever person
b) A slow learner
c) A school teacher
d) A sports champion

Answer: b) A slow learner

2. Which of these is a synonym of "dunce"?

a) Scholar
b) Genius
c) Dullard
d) Expert

Answer: c) Dullard

3. What is an antonym of "dunce"?

a) Ignoramus
b) Simpleton
c) Scholar
d) Dullard

Answer: c) Scholar

4. Which sentence uses "dunce" correctly?

a) The dunce finished the race in record time.
b) She felt like a dunce when she didn’t understand the problem.
c) He was a dunce when he solved the puzzle without help.
d) The dunce won a science award.

Answer: b) She felt like a dunce when she didn’t understand the problem.

5. What does it mean to "play the dunce"?

a) To act smart
b) To show foolishness
c) To lead a team
d) To learn quickly

Answer: b) To show foolishness