Dumbness

Origin

dumb + -ness

Full definition of dumbness

Noun

1. The state of being dumb (either mute or dim-witted), that is, of not communicating vocally, whether from selective mutism (refusal to speak) or from an inability to speak.
2. Muteness, silence; abstention from speech.
• 1611 Shakespeare, William known show: 15 May 1611; posthumous publication: 1623, ''Winter's Tale, Act 5, Scene 2:There was speech in their dumbness.
3. Show or gesture without words; pantomime; dumb-show.
• 1623 Shakespeare, William publication, Timon of Athens, Act 1, Scene 1:To the dumbness of the gesture one might interpret.

Related terms

• dumb
• dumb-show