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Dull: meaning, definitions and examples

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dull

 

[dʌl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

describing something boring or uninteresting

Lacking interest or excitement; not bright, intense, or clear. Characterized by a lack of force or intensity. Uninspiring or unoriginal.

Synonyms

boring, monotonous, tedious, uninteresting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dull

Dull is used to describe something that lacks brightness, sharpness, or excitement. It can refer to both physical objects and abstract concepts like events or personalities.

  • The knife is dull and needs sharpening.
  • The lecture was so dull that many students fell asleep.
boring

Boring refers to something that fails to interest or excite people. It's often used to describe activities, events, or people that are not engaging.

  • The movie was boring and we left halfway through.
  • He gave a very boring speech that put everyone to sleep.
tedious

Tedious is used for tasks or activities that are both long and boring, often requiring a lot of effort but offering little reward or excitement.

  • Filling out all these forms is a tedious process.
  • Reading the instruction manual was a tedious task.
uninteresting

Uninteresting refers to something that does not capture attention or imagination, making it dull or boring. It's often a more neutral term for things that simply don't pique interest.

  • The book was uninteresting, so I stopped reading it.
  • His stories were uninteresting and didn't hold anyone's attention.
monotonous

Monotonous describes something that is repetitive and lacks variety, making it tiresome. It's often used for tasks, routines, or sounds.

  • Her job consists of monotonous tasks like data entry.
  • The teacher's monotonous voice made it hard to stay focused.

Examples of usage

  • It was a dull movie with no real plot.
  • His speech was so dull that people started falling asleep.
  • The gray sky cast a dull light over the city.
  • The lecture was so dull that most of the students skipped it.
  • She found the book incredibly dull and couldn't finish it.
Context #2 | Verb

to make something less intense or sharp

To reduce the intensity or harshness of. To make less clear, distinct, or loud.

Synonyms

blunt, diminish, soften, weaken.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dull

Used to describe something lacking sharpness, brightness, or interest. It can refer to objects, feelings, or activities.

  • The knife is too dull to cut the vegetables.
  • The lecture was so dull that many students fell asleep.
diminish

Implies a reduction in size, importance, or intensity. Often used in a somewhat formal or neutral context.

  • His recent errors have diminished his reputation as a reliable employee.
  • The medicine can diminish the symptoms of the disease.
weaken

Indicates a reduction in strength, power, or effectiveness. Often used in situations involving physical strength, health, or structural integrity.

  • The disease will gradually weaken her immune system.
  • The storm weakened the bridge, making it unsafe.
blunt

Refers to the lack of a sharp edge or point. It can also describe a manner of speaking that is very direct and perhaps tactless.

  • The scissors are blunt and can't cut through paper.
  • Her blunt remarks about their performance hurt their feelings.
soften

Describes a process of making something less hard or severe. It can be physical, like softening butter, or metaphorical, like softening a stance on an issue.

  • She used a conditioner to soften her hair.
  • He tried to soften the criticism by offering some praise first.

Examples of usage

  • He tried to dull the pain with medication.
  • The fog dulled the sounds of the city.
  • The emotional impact of the story was dulled by poor acting.
  • The passage of time had dulled the memory of the traumatic event.
  • She dulled the colors of the painting by adding a layer of gray.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word traces back to Old English 'dull,' meaning 'blunt, not sharp.'
  • Over time, its meaning expanded to include 'lack of interest or excitement' around the 14th century.
  • It is related to the Old Norse word 'dulr,' which also implies a sense of stupidity or lack of sharpness.

Psychology

  • People often exhibit signs of boredom and lethargy when exposed to dull situations, impacting their creativity.
  • Studies show that environments perceived as dull can reduce motivation and cognitive performance.
  • Conversely, a dull day can lead to increased daydreaming, which is a form of mental creativity.

Literature

  • In literature, dull characters often serve as foils to vibrant protagonists, highlighting contrasting traits.
  • Descriptions of dull settings can evoke feelings of isolation or tiredness, enhancing plot tension.
  • Some authors use dullness intentionally to reflect boredom or stagnation in characters’ lives.

Art

  • In visual arts, dull colors are often used to create mood or symbolize lack of energy.
  • Dull paint finishes can convey a sense of texture and realism, making objects look more lifelike.
  • Artists may opt for a dull palette to emphasize themes of monotony or despair.

Pop Culture

  • In popular media, the term 'dull' is frequently used to describe boring movies or shows that don't engage audiences.
  • Comedians often lampoon dull moments in everyday life, turning the mundane into humorous stories.
  • Reality television sometimes embraces the idea of dullness, showing the simple, unexciting moments of life.

Translations

Translations of the word "dull" in other languages:

🇵🇹 chato

🇮🇳 नीरस

🇩🇪 langweilig

🇮🇩 membosankan

🇺🇦 нудний

🇵🇱 nudny

🇯🇵 退屈な (taikutsuna)

🇫🇷 ennuyeux

🇪🇸 aburrido

🇹🇷 sıkıcı

🇰🇷 지루한 (jiruhan)

🇸🇦 ممل

🇨🇿 nudný

🇸🇰 nudný

🇨🇳 无聊 (wúliáo)

🇸🇮 dolgočasen

🇮🇸 leiðinlegur

🇰🇿 зеріктіретін

🇬🇪 მოსაწყენი

🇦🇿 darıxdırıcı

🇲🇽 aburrido

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,475, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.