dim.
B1Informal to neutral. As an adjective describing stupidity, it's informal/colloquial.
Definition
Meaning
Not bright or clear; lacking in light.
To reduce or be reduced in brightness; to become less intelligent or aware; (colloquial) stupid or slow to understand; (of prospects, hopes) unfavourable.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word covers a spectrum from the literal physical phenomenon of low light to metaphorical uses concerning intelligence, memory, or future prospects.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
As a slang adjective for 'stupid', it is slightly more common in British English. The phrasal verb 'dim down' (lights) is more common in American English.
Connotations
As a noun ('take a dim view of') it is equally formal in both varieties. The insult 'dim' is perceived as mild, old-fashioned British slang.
Frequency
Comparatively low frequency in both; slightly higher in British English due to colloquial use.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[V] The lights dimmed.[V N] She dimmed the screen.[Adj] The room was dim.[Adj + that-clause] It's dim of him to forget.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “dim and distant (past)”
- “take a dim view of something”
- “a dim memory”
- “dim-witted”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used metaphorically: 'The economic outlook is dim.'
Academic
Used in descriptions: 'The dim light of the early universe.'
Everyday
Most common: 'Can you dim the lights?' 'He's a bit dim.'
Technical
In lighting/electronics: 'Dimmer switch', 'dim the display'.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The theatre lights dimmed before the show.
- He dimmed his headlights for the oncoming car.
American English
- She dimmed down the kitchen lights for dinner.
- His enthusiasm dimmed after the bad news.
adverb
British English
- The stars shone dimly through the haze.
- I could only dimly recall her face.
American English
- The path was dimly visible in the moonlight.
- She was only dimly aware of the noise.
adjective
British English
- It was a dim, rainy afternoon.
- Don't be so dim—the answer's obvious!
American English
- The lamp gave off a dim glow.
- He made a pretty dim comment during the meeting.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The light is too dim in this room.
- Please dim the lamp.
- His memory of the event was dim.
- I took a dim view of their rude behaviour.
- Prospects for a quick settlement appear dim.
- The figure was dimly outlined against the wall.
- Her intellectual prowess dimmed not a whit with age.
- The once-vibrant colours had dimmed to pastel shades.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a lightbulb with a low, DIM glow. A DIM person has a low-wattage brain.
Conceptual Metaphor
INTELLIGENCE IS LIGHT; STUPIDITY IS DIMNESS/LACK OF LIGHT.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'dim' as 'тупой' in formal contexts; it's a mild, colloquial insult. 'Тусклый' is the primary literal translation.
- In 'take a dim view', it does not relate to light; it means 'disapprove of'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'dim' to mean 'small' (incorrect: 'a dim room' means poorly lit, not small).
- Confusing 'dim' with 'dumb'. 'Dim' implies slowness, not inability to speak.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'dim' used to describe intelligence?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
When used to describe a person's intelligence ('he's dim'), it is a mild, informal insult, similar to 'slow'. It is not highly offensive but should be used cautiously.
'Dark' implies an absence of light. 'Dim' implies a low level of light, making things hard to see but not invisible.
Yes. It means to make something less bright, e.g., 'Dim the lights' or 'His hopes dimmed.'
It is an idiom meaning to disapprove of something or regard it unfavourably, e.g., 'Management takes a dim view of lateness.'
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