Dumbest: meaning, definitions and examples

The word 'dumb' originated from the Old English term 'dumb,' which meant 'silent or mute.' Over time, its meaning evolved to describe someone lacking the ability to speak or articulate thoughts clearly. By the 19th century, 'dumb' began to be used colloquially to denote someone lacking intelligence or common sense, leading to the formation of the superlative 'dumbest.' This shift reflects societal attitudes towards intelligence and communication, as in different contexts, 'dumb' could imply both a literal inability to speak and a metaphorical inability to think clearly. In contemporary usage, 'dumb' and its derivatives are often employed in informal and emotional contexts, sometimes considered pejorative, reflecting the fluid nature of language and societal perceptions of intelligence.

Ranking #36,305, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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