• Dim

    Pronunciation

    • enPR: dÄ­m, IPA: /dɪm/
    • Rhymes: -ɪm

    Origin

    From Middle English dim, dym, from Old English dim, dimm ("dim, dark, gloomy; wretched, grievous, sad, unhappy"), from Proto-Germanic *dimmaz ("dark"), from Proto-Indo-European *dÊ°em- ("to whisk, smoke, blow; dust, haze, cloud; obscure"). Compare Icelandic dimmur ("dark") and dimma ("darkness").

    Full definition of dim

    Adjective

    dim

    1. Not bright or colorful.The lighting was too dim for me to make out his facial features.
    2. Not smart or intelligent.He may be a bit dim, but he's not retarded.
    3. Indistinct, hazy or unclear.His vision grew dimmer as he aged.
    4. Disapproving, unfavorable: rarely used outside the phrase take a dim view of.

    Verb

    1. (transitive) To make something less bright.He dimmed the lights and put on soft music.
    2. (intransitive) To become darker.The lights dimmed briefly when the air conditioning was turned on.
    3. To render dim, obscure, or dark; to make less bright or distinct; to take away the luster of; to darken; to dull; to obscure; to eclipse.
      • Drydena king among his courtiers, who dims all his attendants
      • CowperNow set the sun, and twilight dimmed the ways.
    4. To deprive of distinct vision; to hinder from seeing clearly, either by dazzling or clouding the eyes; to darken the senses or understanding of.
      • C. PittHer starry eyes were dimmed with streaming tears.

    Derived terms

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