Meaning & Definition of word "Dumb"
to
Dumb
/dʌm/
noun:
- 1. A person who is unable to speak.
- Example: The organization works to aid dumb individuals in expressing themselves.
- 2. A term historically used to describe someone who is mute, often considered offensive.
- Example: In the past, many people labeled those who could not speak as dumb.
adjective:
- 1. Unable to speak; lacking the power of speech.
- Example: The child was born dumb and communicated using sign language.
- 2. Lacking intelligence or good judgment; foolish.
- Example: It was a dumb decision to invest all her savings in that risky project.
- 3. Annoyed with oneself or showing contempt for oneself; foolish in a way that comes from vanity.
- Example: I felt so dumb for not studying more before the exam.
- 4. Temporarily incapable of speaking, especially due to shock.
- Example: After hearing the unexpected news, she was left dumb for a moment.
Etymology
Middle English, from Old English 'dumb', meaning 'silent, mute'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
dumb as a rock:
extremely stupid or unintelligent.
dumb down:
to simplify something so that it can be understood by a less knowledgeable audience.
dumb luck:
good fortune that is unexpected or unearned.
Related Words
mute:
unable to speak; silent.
idiot:
a foolish or stupid person.
Slang Meanings of dumb
Meaning: Stupid or foolish.
Example Sentence: That idea is just dumb.
Meaning: Something drastically wrong or malfunctioning.
Example Sentence: My phone is acting dumb today.