dimmer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral
Quick answer
What does “dimmer” mean?
A device used to reduce the brightness of a light.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A device used to reduce the brightness of a light.
A control for adjusting the level of light, or a state/entity that is less bright or intelligent.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in meaning. 'Dimmer switch' is the standard term in both varieties. 'Dimmer' as slang for a foolish person is rare but understood.
Connotations
Neutral to technical for the device. As an adjective/comparative, it may have mildly negative connotations (e.g., 'dimmer prospect').
Frequency
Higher frequency in technical/home improvement contexts. As a slang noun, very low frequency.
Grammar
How to Use “dimmer” in a Sentence
install [OBJ] a dimmeradjust/turn [OBJ] the dimmerreplace [OBJ] with a dimmer[SUBJ] is a dimmerVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dimmer” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The lights will dim shortly.
- She dimmed the lamps for a cosy atmosphere.
American English
- The screen dims after two minutes.
- He dimmed the headlights for the oncoming car.
adverb
British English
- The stars shone dimly through the fog.
- He smiled dimly, not fully understanding.
American English
- The display glowed dimly in the dark.
- She was dimly aware of a noise outside.
adjective
British English
- The outlook grew dimmer as the crisis deepened.
- He's a bit dimmer than his sister.
American English
- The prospects are dimmer now.
- A dimmer bulb will use less energy.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In specifications for building or hotel refurbishment.
Academic
Rare, except in physics/engineering contexts discussing electrical circuits.
Everyday
Common in discussions about home lighting, decor, or energy saving.
Technical
Standard term in electrical engineering, lighting design, and theatre/stagecraft.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dimmer”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dimmer”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dimmer”
- Using 'dimmer' as a verb (incorrect: 'Can you dimmer the lights?' Correct: 'Can you dim the lights?' or 'Use the dimmer.').
- Spelling confusion: 'dimmer' not 'dimer' (which is a chemical term).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's primarily a noun for a device, but it is also the standard comparative form of the adjective 'dim' (e.g., dimmer light).
Yes, but it's informal/slang, meaning a foolish or slow-witted person (e.g., "He's a bit of a dimmer").
A regular switch only turns lights on/off. A dimmer allows you to vary the brightness level continuously.
Yes, identically for the device. The pronunciation differs slightly (/ˈdɪmə/ UK vs. /ˈdɪmər/ US).
A device used to reduce the brightness of a light.
Dimmer is usually neutral in register.
Dimmer: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɪmə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɪmər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A dimmer switch upstairs (slang: not intelligent)”
- “Take a dimmer view (less common variant of 'take a dim view')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of making a room DIMMER (less bright) by using a DIMMER.
Conceptual Metaphor
INTELLIGENCE IS LIGHT; a foolish person is a 'dimmer' bulb.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'dimmer' used as a comparative adjective?