deaf
B1Neutral/Formal (when describing the condition); Informal/Idiomatic (when used figuratively).
Definition
Meaning
Unable to hear, either partially or completely.
Unwilling or refusing to listen or consider something; also used in some compound terms to denote exclusion from a sound-based system (e.g., deaf-blind).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term can be considered offensive by some when used as a noun ('the deaf'); the preferred usage is as an adjective ('deaf people') or using person-first language ('people who are deaf'). The capitalized 'Deaf' often refers to the cultural and linguistic community.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. The phrase 'tone-deaf' is common in both, though slightly more prevalent in AmE media discourse.
Connotations
In both varieties, the figurative use ('deaf to reason') carries the same negative connotation of stubbornness.
Frequency
Comparable frequency. The idiom 'fall on deaf ears' is equally common.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
be deaf to N (e.g., deaf to reason)turn a deaf ear to NVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “turn a deaf ear”
- “fall on deaf ears”
- “deaf as a post”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in HR/accessibility contexts (e.g., 'accommodations for deaf employees').
Academic
Used in medical, linguistic (sign language), and disability studies contexts.
Everyday
Common for describing the condition and in idioms expressing ignored advice.
Technical
Used in audiology (e.g., 'sensorineural deafness').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The constant noise will deafen you if you're not careful.
- They tried to deafen the opposition with their cheers.
American English
- The concert was so loud it deafened us temporarily.
- We need to deafen the sound in this room.
adverb
British English
- (Rare as a standalone adverb) 'He stared deafly ahead, ignoring the shouts.'
American English
- (Rare as a standalone adverb) 'She nodded deafly, not truly listening.'
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My grandfather is deaf.
- She cannot hear because she is deaf.
- The government turned a deaf ear to the protesters' demands.
- He is partially deaf and uses a hearing aid.
- Profoundly deaf from birth, she is a fluent user of British Sign Language.
- His pleas for mercy fell on deaf ears.
- The committee remained deaf to all arguments regarding the ethical implications.
- Tone-deaf marketing campaigns can severely damage a brand's reputation.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
DEAF sounds like 'deaf' in 'deafen' – something so loud it makes you unable to hear.
Conceptual Metaphor
DEAFNESS IS A BARRIER (to sound/information); REFUSING TO LISTEN IS DEAFNESS.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating the idiom 'turn a deaf ear' literally; it means 'игнорировать', not physical deafness.
- The adjective 'глухой' maps directly, but note the cultural sensitivity around noun usage.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'the deaf' as a blanket noun instead of 'deaf people'.
- Confusing 'deaf' (condition) with 'deafening' (very loud).
Practice
Quiz
Which phrase means 'to ignore someone's comments or requests'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'dumb' is an offensive term. Use 'deaf and non-speaking' or 'deaf and uses sign language'.
Capital-D 'Deaf' refers to individuals who identify with the Deaf community and culture, often using sign language. Lowercase 'deaf' is an audiological description.
Not directly. The related verb is 'deafen' (to make deaf or to be very loud).
Many within the community prefer 'deaf' or 'hard of hearing'. 'Hearing-impaired' is often seen as a medical/pathologizing term and is less favoured.
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