Meaning & Definition of word "Deafness"
to
Deafness
/ˈdɛf.nəs/
noun:
- 1. the condition of being unable to hear, either partially or completely.
- Example: His deafness made it difficult for him to communicate in loud environments.
- 2. the quality of being indifferent to or ignoring something.
- Example: The deafness of the authorities to the citizens' complaints led to widespread frustration.
Etymology
Middle English, from Old English 'deaf'; related to Dutch 'doof' and German 'taub'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
deaf and dumb:
Outdated and offensive term referring to someone who cannot hear and speaks little or not at all.
deaf to something:
Not willing to listen or heed advice.
Related Words
deaf:
Unable to hear.
hearing:
The ability to perceive sounds.
auditory:
Relating to the sense of hearing.
Slang Meanings of deafness
Meaning: Hard of hearing
Example Sentence: He prefers the term hard of hearing instead of deaf.
Meaning: Tone-deaf
Example Sentence: She’s tone-deaf, meaning she struggles to distinguish musical notes.