English Lexicon

Dim

/dɪm/
adjectiveverbCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #3420 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As adjective
  1. 1

    (Of light, setting, or surroundings) not bright or clear; lacking intensity of light.

    "They sat in the dim light of a single candle."
As verb
  1. 1

    To make or become less bright or distinct.

    "She reached for the switch to dim the headlights of the oncoming car."

Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum

Synonyms (3)
Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from the Old English adjective 'dim', meaning dark, obscure, or misty, sharing roots with Proto-Germanic *dimmaz. Over the centuries, its usage expanded from physical darkness to abstract senses like feeble intelligence or fading memories.

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