Meaning & Definition of word "Dumb"

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    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.