ignorance
Ignorance of the law is no excuse.
This means people cannot claim they didn't know a law existed to avoid punishment.
A lack of knowledge, education, or awareness about a particular subject or situation.
His ignorance about local customs caused offense.
He didn't know about the customs and accidentally offended people.
Ignorance can be intentional or unintentional.
Collocations
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoiding Misuse
Be careful not to confuse 'ignorance' with 'stupidity'—ignorance refers to lack of knowledge, not lack of intelligence.
Gold Rule
Legal Context
In legal contexts, ignorance of the law is generally not considered a valid defense.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'ignoraunce,' from Old French 'ignorance,' from Latin 'ignorantia,' from 'ignorare' (to not know).
Usage Notes
Ignorance is often used neutrally, but it can carry negative connotations when referring to willful disregard for facts.