dumb Definition
- 1unable to speak
- 2stupid or foolish
- 3not able to be heard
- 4temporarily unable to speak
Using dumb: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "dumb" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The boy was born dumb and could not speak.
Example
It was a dumb idea to jump off the roof.
Example
The TV was on but the sound was dumb.
Example
He was struck dumb with fear.
dumb Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for dumb
- mute
- silent
- voiceless
- foolish
- stupid
- idiotic
- unintelligent
Antonyms for dumb
- clever
- articulate
- eloquent
- smart
- intelligent
Idioms Using dumb
dumb as a post
extremely stupid or unintelligent
Example
He may be good-looking, but he's dumb as a post.
strike dumb
to render someone speechless, usually due to shock or surprise
Example
When she saw the car accident, she was struck dumb and couldn't say a word.
play dumb
to pretend to be ignorant or unaware of something, usually to avoid responsibility or blame
Example
He played dumb when his boss asked him about the missing files.
Phrases with dumb
dumb down
to make something simpler or less intellectually challenging, usually in order to make it more accessible to a wider audience
Example
The news channel has been accused of dumbing down its content to appeal to a younger audience.
dumb luck
success or good fortune that is the result of chance rather than skill or planning
Example
He won the lottery by dumb luck, he didn't even realize he had the winning ticket until a week later.
dumb show
a silent performance, typically used in theater to convey a message or plot point without dialogue
Example
The actors performed a dumb show to illustrate the backstory of the characters.
Origins of dumb
from Old English 'dumb', meaning 'mute, speechless'
Summary: dumb in Brief
The term 'dumb' [dʌm] has several meanings. It can refer to being unable to speak, as in 'The boy was born dumb and could not speak.' It can also mean stupid or foolish, as in 'It was a dumb idea to jump off the roof.' Additionally, it can describe something that cannot be heard, as in 'The TV was on but the sound was dumb.' Finally, it can mean temporarily unable to speak, as in 'He was struck dumb with fear.'
