blind
HighNeutral; used in formal, academic, everyday, and some technical contexts. Use with sensitivity regarding visual impairment.
Definition
Meaning
Unable to see; lacking visual perception.
To deprive of understanding, judgment, or perception; to make unable to notice or consider something; also refers to something done without being able to see, based on faith, chance, or without prior knowledge (e.g., blind taste test, blind audition).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primary meaning relates to physical sight. Figurative meanings involve lack of awareness, judgment, or concealment (e.g., blind spot, blind rage). Can be considered offensive if used carelessly as a metaphor for ignorance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor. 'Blind' as a verb (to blind someone) is consistent. The noun 'blinds' for window coverings is common in both, but 'Venetian blinds' is the standard term.
Connotations
Similar sensitivity regarding disability language in both varieties. Figurative uses (blind faith, blind rage) are equally common.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Adj] blind (to something)[V] blind someone (to something)[V] be blinded by somethingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “turn a blind eye”
- “blind leading the blind”
- “love is blind”
- “blind as a bat”
- “fly blind”
- “robbing someone blind”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Blind copy (bcc in emails), blind test (market research), blind trust (financial).
Academic
Blind peer review, blind experiment, double-blind study.
Everyday
Window blinds, blind date, blind spot while driving.
Technical
Bl spot (physics/optics), blind flange (engineering), blind hole (manufacturing).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The bright headlights can temporarily blind oncoming drivers.
- His ambition blinded him to the ethical concerns.
American English
- She was blinded by the flash of the camera.
- Don't let your loyalty blind you to his faults.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The guide dog helps the blind man cross the street.
- Please close the blinds; the sun is too bright.
- She has been blind since birth.
- I turned a blind eye to his mistake because he's new.
- The study was conducted as a double-blind trial to ensure objectivity.
- His prejudice blinds him to her true talents.
- The government's blind adherence to the policy despite mounting evidence was widely criticized.
- The attacker approached from his blind spot, giving him no time to react.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BLINDer on a cricket pitch or a window BLIND – both block sight.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWING IS SEEING / IGNORANCE IS BLINDNESS (e.g., 'He was blind to the truth').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation of 'слепой' for all figurative uses. 'Blind obedience' is correct, but 'blind guess' is more 'наугад'. 'Blind' for a window covering is 'жалюзи'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'blind' as a noun for a person ('a blind') is outdated/offensive; use 'blind person'. Confusing 'blinds' (window coverings) with 'blinders' (horse equipment). Using 'blind' negatively as a general metaphor for stupidity.
Practice
Quiz
Which phrase means 'to deliberately ignore something wrong or unpleasant'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, no. These are established idioms and technical terms. However, sensitivity is advised; avoid using 'blind' as a casual metaphor for stupidity or ignorance.
Blinds are made of slats (like Venetian blinds) or fabric (like roller blinds) that can be raised/lowered or angled. Shutters are solid, hinged panels, often made of wood, that are fixed inside the window frame.
No. Using 'the blind' as a collective noun is acceptable in formal contexts (e.g., 'services for the blind'), but referring to an individual as 'a blind' is archaic and offensive. Use 'blind person' or 'person who is blind'.
It means to confuse or impress someone by using complex technical language that is difficult to understand.
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