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Dull: meaning, definitions and examples

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dull

 

[ dʌl ]

Adjective / Verb
Adjectives
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

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

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.

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 origin

The word 'dull' has origins in Middle English, where it meant 'stupid' or 'blunt'. Over time, it evolved to also describe something lacking in interest or excitement. The use of 'dull' to describe something boring or uninteresting became more common in the 17th century. It is often used to convey a sense of monotony or lack of stimulation.

See also: dullard, dullness, dully.

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.