simpleton

American  

[sim-puhl-tuhn] / ˈsɪm pəl tən /

noun

Sometimes Offensive.

1. an ignorant, foolish, or silly person.

   Synonyms:

   dope, ninny, blockhead, numbskull, fool, dolt

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simpleton British  

/ ˈsɪmpəltən /

noun

1. a foolish or ignorant person

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Etymology

Origin of simpleton

First recorded in 1640–50; simple + -ton

Example Sentences

The former lord of Ashton Place seemed reduced to a muttering simpleton.

From Literature

He was a soldier simpleton who appeared in comic drawings about life in the army in the 1890s.

From BBC

Adam Hugill is similarly amusing as the defender Harry Maguire, who is portrayed as a lovable simpleton — not the sharpest tool in the box, but solid and dependable.

From New York Times

And not in the simpleton type of way.

From Seattle Times

Turning what could have been merely a simpleton into a lost soul, Keoghan’s work here is vivid and heartbreaking.

From Los Angeles Times