Timeline for Difference between "ignorant" and "uninformed"
Current License: CC BY-SA 3.0
6 events
| when toggle format | what | by | license | comment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 13, 2013 at 1:34 | comment | added | thb | Disagree. Context can attach negativity to practically any word, but no negativity at all conventionally attaches to uninformed as the word in and of itself is used by good writers, any more than negativity conventionally attaches to forgotten or short. The word in this sense is not at all like thankless or wicked, among others, to which negativity does attach even when no specific context is supplied. | |
| Aug 7, 2012 at 20:22 | comment | added | Jay | As with many such terms, a lot depends on how you say it. Like if you say, "No, wait, Sally, I think you are just uninformed about how to enter data into the new computer system," that would probably be understood as more explanation than criticism. But if you say, "I can't believe somebody could be as ignorant as you! Do you need help dressing yourself?!" that would probably be taken as an insult. | |
| Apr 3, 2012 at 10:48 | comment | added | Milo Wielondek | As to @Robusto's answer, whilst it is common to say something along the lines of "I was not wrong, I was uninformed" or "A well-intentioned but uninformed advice", paraphrasing those sentences using ignorant would result in a significant difference in connotation. | |
| Apr 3, 2012 at 10:48 | comment | added | Milo Wielondek | @vy32 Although I understand your frustration, I'm afraid a definitive reference wouldn't be of much help, even if one was to be found. This question seems to be more about individuals' personal opinion rather than any conventions (or lack of those), as illustrated by the equal distribution of votes amongst seemingly contrasting answers. | |
| Apr 2, 2012 at 3:23 | comment | added | vy32 | Can we get a definitive reference, rather than just some opinions? | |
| Apr 2, 2012 at 0:33 | history | answered | Robusto | CC BY-SA 3.0 |