HALF-WITTED

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does half-witted mean? 

• HALF-WITTED (adjective)
  The adjective HALF-WITTED has 1 sense:

1. retarded in intellectual development

  Familiarity information: HALF-WITTED used as an adjective is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• HALF-WITTED (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Retarded in intellectual development

Synonyms:

backward; feebleminded; half-witted; slow-witted

Similar:

retarded (relatively slow in mental or emotional or physical development)

Domain usage:

archaicism; archaism (the use of an archaic expression)

 Context examples 

The shock has made her half-witted, but I understand that she was never very bright.

(The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Yes, I know exactly what you will say: Friday, went to the Lower Rooms; wore my sprigged muslin robe with blue trimmings—plain black shoes—appeared to much advantage; but was strangely harassed by a queer, half-witted man, who would make me dance with him, and distressed me by his nonsense.

(Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen)