dull
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.1dull
adjective \ˈdəl\Definition of DULL
1
: mentally slow : stupid
2
a : slow in perception or sensibility : insensible <somewhat dull of hearing> b : lacking zest or vivacity : listless <a dull performance>
3
: slow in action : sluggish
4
a : lacking in force, intensity, or sharpness <a dull ache> b : not resonant or ringing <a dull booming sound>
5
: lacking sharpness of edge or point <a dull knife>
6
: lacking brilliance or luster <a dull finish>
7
of a color : low in saturation and low in lightness
8
: cloudy <dull weather>
9
: tedious, uninteresting <dull lectures>
— dull·ness also dul·ness \ˈdəl-nəs\ noun
— dul·ly \ˈdə(l)-lē\ adverb
See Examples of DULL
- the dull roar of the crowd
- <the dull knife just bounced off the skin of the tomato without cutting it>
Origin of DULL
Middle English dul; akin to Old English dol foolish, Old Irish dall blind
First Known Use: 13th century
Related to DULL
Synonym Discussion of DULL
dull, blunt, obtuse mean not sharp, keen, or acute. dull suggests a lack or loss of keenness, zest, or pungency <a dull pain> <a dull mind>. blunt suggests an inherent lack of sharpness or quickness of feeling or perception <a person of blunt sensibility>. obtuse implies such bluntness as makes one insensitive in perception or imagination <too obtuse to take the hint>.
2dull
verbDefinition of DULL
transitive verb
: to make dull <dull a knife's edge>
intransitive verb
: to become dull
Examples of DULL
- Fog dulled the morning sunlight.
- Special earplugs dulled the sound of the chain saw.
- His hair dulled as he aged.
- The dog's eyes dulled as he got sick.
- She takes medicine to dull the pain.
- Fear dulled his need for adventure.
- The knife was dulled from use.
- The blade should be replaced as soon as it dulls.
First Known Use of DULL
13th century
dull
adjective \ˈdəl\ (Medical Dictionary)Medical Definition of DULL
1
: mentally slow or stupid
2
: slow in perception or sensibility
3
: lacking sharpness of edge or point <a dull scalpel>
4
: lacking in force, intensity, or acuteness <a dull pain>
—dull verb
—dull·ness or dul·ness \ˈdəl-nəs\ noun
—dul·ly \ˈdəl-ē\ adverb
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