Dulled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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dulled
[dʌld ]
Definitions
emotional state
To dull something means to make it less intense, sharp, or lively. It is often used in relation to emotions or sensations, suggesting a reduction in feeling or activity. When someone is described as 'dulled,' it indicates a sense of numbness or a lack of responsiveness to experiences. This can occur due to various reasons, including trauma, repetitive experiences, or substance use. Dulling can also refer to the physical sense, as in making a blade less sharp.
Synonyms
blunted, deadened, muffled, weakened.
Examples of usage
- After the accident, he felt emotionally dulled.
- The painkillers dulled her senses.
- Repeated exposure dulled his reactions.
- The constant noise dulled his ability to concentrate.
physical object
In a more physical sense, to dull can refer to making an object, such as a knife or blade, less sharp. This can happen through use, wear, or improper maintenance. An object that is dulled is less effective at its intended purpose, which involves cutting or piercing. Maintaining the sharpness of tools requires regular sharpening and care, as neglected items become dull over time.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The constant use dulled the knife.
- She needed to sharpen the dulled blades.
- His tools dulled after months of work.
- A dull saw is almost useless.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- In psychology, the term can describe emotions that feel muted or less intense, often due to depression.
- Experiencing life as 'dulled' can be linked to a lack of stimulation or engagement with one's environment.
- Situations like chronic stress can lead to a dulled emotional response, where positive feelings become less vivid.
Literature
- In literary contexts, 'dulled' can describe a character's loss of passion or excitement in life.
- Authors often use this term to evoke a feeling of monotony or despair, helping readers connect with characters' struggles.
- Poets might contrast the image of brightness with something dulled to emphasize themes of loss or change.
Cultural References
- In music, a 'dulled' sound can refer to a muffled rhythm or beat, creating a more somber atmosphere.
- Art often reflects 'dulled' colors to evoke feelings of nostalgia or sadness, prompting deep emotional responses.
- In fashion, dull colors can symbolize a lack of innovation or creativity, suggesting a need for revitalization.
Science
- In optics, a dulled surface can scatter light, making things appear less reflective and vibrant.
- A dulled tool may require sharpening, leading to discussions about maintenance and effectiveness in engineering.
- Senses can become dulled over time due to exposure to certain environmental factors, such as noise or light pollution.
Origin of 'dulled'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'dulled' comes from the Old English 'dull,' which originally meant 'dullness or bluntness.'
- It is related to the Middle Dutch word 'dolle,' meaning 'to be confused or silly.'
- Over time, its meaning has expanded to include emotional and sensory perceptions.
The term 'dull' originates from the Middle English word 'dul', which means 'blunt or slow'. It is related to the Old Norse 'dullr' and the Old English 'dull', signifying a lack of sharpness, brightness, or intensity. Throughout history, the meaning of dull has expanded from mere physical characteristics to encompass emotional and cognitive states. The word has been used to describe everything from dull sounds and dull colors to the experience of feeling emotionally uninspired or numbed. It reflects a transition from a purely sensory description to a broader application in psychological contexts, indicating how language evolves with cultural changes.