"Become dull" is a phrase that refers to something losing its shine or brightness. The spelling of "become" is straightforward, with /bɪˈkʌm/ representing the sounds of the word. However, the word "dull" has some inconsistencies in its spelling. The IPA phonetic transcription for "dull" is /dʌl/. Notice that the "u" in "dull" is pronounced as /ʌ/ instead of the expected /u/ sound. This is an example of English spelling not always accurately reflecting pronunciation.
To become dull refers to the process by which something loses its shine, brightness, or sharpness, and instead acquires a lackluster, muted, or uninteresting quality. It entails a gradual decline in liveliness, attractiveness, or effectiveness, resulting in diminished appeal, resonance, or impact. This term can be used to describe various aspects, both physical and metaphorical.
In the physical sense, becoming dull can refer to the loss of shine or polish on a surface, such as metal, glass, or stone, resulting in a muted or tarnished appearance. It can also pertain to a decrease in sharpness, as in the case of a blade or a cutting tool that has become less effective or precise due to wear or damage.
Metaphorically, becoming dull can describe a lack of excitement, interest, or stimulation. It may refer to feeling bored, unenthusiastic, or unchallenged in a particular situation or activity. For instance, the vibrant colors of a painting may fade over time, losing their visual impact and becoming dull. Similarly, a person's wit, humor, or conversational style can be said to become dull if they are no longer as engaging or sharp as they used to be.
In summary, to become dull is characterized by the gradual loss of luster, sharpness, excitement, or interest, either in a physical or metaphorical context.
The word "become" originated from the Old English word "becuman", which is derived from the combination of the prefix "be-" and the verb "cuman" meaning "to come". Over time, "becuman" evolved into "becumen", and eventually became "become" in Middle English.
The word "dull" comes from the Middle English word "dul", which retained the same spelling in Old English. It is believed to stem from the Proto-Germanic word "dulaz", which means "foolish" or "stupid". This can be further traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*d(e)wel-", meaning "dull" or "opaque".
When used together, "become dull" implies the process of transitioning into a state of lacking interest, excitement, or sharpness.