Pronunciation: [dˈʌld] (IPA) 
The word "dulled" is spelled with a double "l" to represent the sound /l/ in English. This sound can be heard in words such as "bell" and "tell". The IPA phonetic transcription for "dulled" is /dʌld/, with the "d" sound representing the voiced dental plosive and the "ʌ" sound indicating the short vowel sound in "duck". The double "l" represents the prolonged /l/ sound, which is necessary to convey the past tense action of the verb "dull".
Dulled is an adjective that describes something that has lost its sharpness, intensity, effectiveness, or acuteness. It refers to a state or condition in which the characteristics or qualities of an object, sensation, or experience have become diminished or lessened.
When something is described as dulled, it implies a decrease or reduction in its potency or efficacy. This can refer to physical objects, such as a dulled blade that has lost its sharp edge and cutting ability. It can also describe sensations, such as dulled senses, where a person's perception of taste, touch, smell, sight, or hearing has become less sensitive or acute.
Metaphorically, dulled can describe mental states or qualities that have diminished in importance, enthusiasm, or vibrancy. For instance, dulled emotions indicate a decrease in intensity, passion, or liveliness within an individual. Similarly, dulled wit or dulled awareness imply a reduced sharpness, quickness, or alertness of the mind.
This term is often used to describe a gradual or progressive decline, suggesting that the condition of being dulled has developed over time. However, it can also be used to describe an immediate or temporary reduction in qualities, as in a dulled pain sensation after the administration of a painkiller.
In summary, dulled refers to the diminished sharpness, intensity, effectiveness, or acuteness of an object, sensation, or experience. It connotes a reduction in qualities or characteristics that were once more vibrant or acute.
The word "dulled" is derived from the verb "dull", which originated from the Middle English term "dullen" and the Old English word "dyllan" or "dul", meaning to make or become dull, blunt, or insipid. The Old English word can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*duljanan" and the Proto-Indo-European root "*delh-" or "*dlh-", which conveyed the idea of making something dull or blunt.
