How Do You Spell DULL?

Pronunciation: [dˈʌl] (IPA)

The word "dull" is spelled with four letters and represents a basic concept of a lack of brightness or sharpness. In terms of phonetic transcription, the word "dull" is pronounced with the IPA symbols /dʌl/. This means that the "d" sound is made with the tongue against the upper teeth before quickly releasing and the "u" sound is made by rounding the lips with the tongue in the back of the mouth. The "l" sound is a voiced alveolar lateral fricative created by raising the back of the tongue against the alveolar ridge.

DULL Meaning and Definition

  1. Dull is an adjective that describes something or someone as lacking interest, excitement, or brightness. It denotes a lack of liveliness or stimulation, typically leading to a sense of boredom or monotony. It can also refer to something that is lacking in sharpness or intensity.

    When used to describe a person, dull suggests a lack of wit, intelligence, or originality, often leading to a lackluster or uninteresting personality. It implies a lack of enthusiasm or energy, resulting in a lack of engaging or entertaining qualities.

    When describing an object or an event, dull suggests a lack of vibrancy or intensity. It may refer to a color that lacks brightness or appears faded. Dull can also denote an event or activity that lacks excitement, is slow-paced, or fails to captivate attention.

    In certain contexts, dull can take on a literal meaning, such as dull pain, which refers to a lingering, milder discomfort as opposed to sharp or intense pain.

    Synonyms for dull include boring, uninteresting, monotonous, drab, flat, tedious, mundane, lifeless, unexciting, and lackluster. Antonyms include vibrant, lively, exciting, stimulating, sharp, brilliant, and dynamic.

    Overall, dull is an adjective used to describe something or someone lacking interest, excitement, brightness, or sharpness, ultimately leading to a sense of boredom or monotony.

  2. Not sharp or acute, in any sense; noting a surgical instrument, the action of the mind, pain, a sound, especially the percussion note, etc.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. • The primary idea is a stoppage of the faculties or powers proper to the subject; without spirit; not cheerful; stupid; slow of understanding; slow of hearing; slow to learn; not bright or clear; dim; obscure; blunt; cloudy.
    • To make dull; to stupefy; to blunt; to tarnish.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for DULL

Etymology of DULL

The word "dull" originated in Old English as "dol" or "dyll", and it had a different meaning at that time. It was derived from the Proto-Germanic word "dulaz", which meant "foolish" or "simple-minded". Over time, the meaning of "dull" transitioned to its current definition of "lacking interest or excitement" or "not bright or sharp". The evolution of the word's meaning reflects a shift in understanding from being foolish or simple-minded to being lackluster or uninteresting.

Idioms with the word DULL

  • be (as) dull as ditchwater The idiom "be (as) dull as ditchwater" refers to something or someone that is extremely boring, uninteresting, and lacking in excitement or liveliness. The term "dull as ditchwater" originates from the association of ditchwater with stagnant, muddy water found in ditches, which is generally perceived as uninteresting and unattractive.
  • dull as dishwater The idiom "dull as dishwater" is used to describe something or someone that is extremely boring, uninteresting, or lacking in excitement or liveliness. It implies that the subject in question is as unappealing and unstimulating as the water used for washing dishes, which is typically plain, bland, and devoid of any noteworthy characteristics.
  • be as dull as dishwater/ditchwater The idiom "be as dull as dishwater/ditchwater" means to be extremely boring, lacking in interest, unexciting, or tedious in nature. It is often used to describe a person, situation, or event that fails to captivate or engage others. The comparison to dishwater or ditchwater emphasizes the complete absence of excitement or stimulation.
  • (as) dull as ditchwater The phrase "dull as ditchwater" is an expression used to describe something or someone as extremely boring, uninteresting, or lacking excitement. It implies that the subject being referred to is as dreary and monotonous as stagnant water found in ditches, which typically lacks liveliness or appeal.
  • (as) dull as dishwater The idiom "(as) dull as dishwater" is used to describe something or someone that is extremely boring, uninteresting, or lacking in excitement or personality. It conveys the idea that an experience or individual lacks any form of liveliness, excitement, or engaging qualities, just like dishwater, which is typically deemed mundane and uneventful.
  • be as dull as dishwater The idiom "be as dull as dishwater" means to be extremely boring, uninteresting, or lacking in excitement or liveliness. It suggests that something or someone is utterly dull or monotonous, similar to the unremarkable nature of dishwater that lacks any sparkle or appeal.
  • dull as ditchwater The idiom "dull as ditchwater" means extremely boring or uninteresting. It depicts something or someone as lacking excitement, charm, or liveliness, similar to the uninteresting nature of the water found in a ditch.
  • dull as dishwater (or ditchwater) The idiom "dull as dishwater (or ditchwater)" refers to something or someone that is extremely boring, uninteresting, or lacking excitement and liveliness. It conveys a sense of monotony, lack of sparkle, and overall dullness.
  • keep it down to a dull roar The idiom "keep it down to a dull roar" means to reduce noise or excitement to a more acceptable or manageable level. It suggests maintaining a calm and subdued atmosphere, especially in situations where there might be excessive noise, commotion, or enthusiasm.
  • dull the edge of The idiom "dull the edge of" means to lessen or reduce the sharpness, intensity, or impact of something. It can refer to making a physical object less sharp by reducing its cutting ability, or figuratively, to soften the impact or lessen the intensity of a situation, emotion, or statement.
  • dull roar The idiom "dull roar" refers to a level of noise or commotion that is significant but tolerable or manageable. It implies a steady or constant background noise that does not cause a disturbance or attract much attention.
  • all work and no play (makes Jack a dull boy) The idiom "all work and no play (makes Jack a dull boy)" means that if someone only focuses on work or serious responsibilities without taking any time for leisure or enjoyment, they become boring, uninteresting, or mentally fatigued.
  • deadly dull The idiom "deadly dull" refers to something extremely boring or uninteresting. It implies a complete lack of excitement or stimulation.
  • (there is) never a dull moment The idiom "(there is) never a dull moment" means that there is always something exciting, interesting, or chaotic happening. It implies that one's life or a specific situation is constantly full of activity or unpredictability, with no periods of boredom or dullness.
  • never a dull moment The idiom "never a dull moment" means that a situation is consistently exciting, lively, or eventful, without any periods of boredom or monotony. It implies that there is always something interesting or unexpected happening.

Similar spelling words for DULL

Conjugate verb Dull

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have dulled
you would have dulled
he/she/it would have dulled
we would have dulled
they would have dulled
I would have dull
you would have dull
he/she/it would have dull
we would have dull
they would have dull

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been dulling
you would have been dulling
he/she/it would have been dulling
we would have been dulling
they would have been dulling

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would dull
you would dull
he/she/it would dull
we would dull
they would dull

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be dulling
you would be dulling
he/she/it would be dulling
we would be dulling
they would be dulling

FUTURE

I will dull
you will dull
he/she/it will dull
we will dull
they will dull

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be dulling
you will be dulling
he/she/it will be dulling
we will be dulling
they will be dulling

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have dulled
you will have dulled
he/she/it will have dulled
we will have dulled
they will have dulled

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been dulling
you will have been dulling
he/she/it will have been dulling
we will have been dulling
they will have been dulling

IMPERATIVE

you dull
we let´s dull

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to dull

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was dulling
you were dulling
he/she/it was dulling
we were dulling
they were dulling

PAST PARTICIPLE

dulled

PAST PERFECT

I had dulled
you had dulled
he/she/it had dulled
we had dulled
they had dulled

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been dulling
you had been dulling
he/she/it had been dulling
we had been dulling
they had been dulling

PRESENT

I dull
you dull
he/she/it dulls
we dull
they dull

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am dulling
you are dulling
he/she/it is dulling
we are dulling
they are dulling

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

dulling

PRESENT PERFECT

I have dulled
you have dulled
he/she/it has dulled
we have dulled
they have dulled

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been dulling
you have been dulling
he/she/it has been dulling
we have been dulling
they have been dulling

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it dull

SIMPLE PAST

I dulled
you dulled
he/she/it dulled
we dulled
they dulled

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