dim
not bright; obscure from lack of light or emitted light: a dim room; a dim flashlight.
not seen clearly or in detail; indistinct: a dim object in the distance.
not clear to the mind; vague: a dim idea.
not brilliant; dull in luster: a dim color.
not clear or distinct to the senses; faint: a dim sound.
not seeing clearly: eyes dim with tears.
tending to be unfavorable; not likely to happen, succeed, be favorable, etc.: a dim chance of winning.
not understanding clearly.
rather stupid; dim-witted.
to make dim or dimmer.
to switch (the headlights of a vehicle) from the high to the low beam.
to become or grow dim or dimmer.
dim out, (in wartime) to reduce the night illumination of (a city, ship, etc.) to make it less visible from the air or sea, as a protection from enemy aircraft or ships.
Idioms about dim
take a dim view of, to regard with disapproval, skepticism, or dismay: Her mother takes a dim view of her choice of friends.
Origin of dim
1synonym study For dim
Other words for dim
Other words from dim
- dimly, adverb
- dim·ma·ble, adjective
- dimness, noun
- un·dim, adjective
- un·dim·ly, adverb
- un·dimmed, adjective
Other definitions for dim. (2 of 3)
(in prescriptions) one-half.
Origin of dim.
2Other definitions for dim. (3 of 3)
dimension.
diminish.
diminuendo.
diminutive.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use dim in a sentence
Use the two-button interface—one on the side, one on the tail—to toggle through its six power levels, from very dim to blindingly bright, or activate the strobe mode for emergencies.
Home and office products that make sure-fire gifts | PopSci Commerce Team | October 8, 2020 | Popular-ScienceThe inability for consumers to switch between networks dims the possibility that competitors could dislodge Facebook.
House panel proposes largest antitrust reforms in decades to rein in Big Tech | kdunn6 | October 7, 2020 | FortuneThough negotiations between House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin are ongoing, prospects for a deal remain dim.
Americans could face ‘unnecessary hardship’ without more stimulus, says Fed chief | Lee Clifford | October 6, 2020 | FortuneIt sent mega-tsunamis racing across the ocean and dug a roughly 93-mile-wide crater, throwing much of that material into the atmosphere where it blocked and dimmed the sun for years.
The World’s Space Agencies Are on a Quest to Deflect a (Harmless) Asteroid | Jason Dorrier | September 27, 2020 | Singularity HubUse the two-button interface—one on the side, one on the tail—to toggle through its five power levels, from very dim to blindingly bright, or activate the strobe mode for emergencies.
Flashlights for emergency scenarios and outdoor fun | PopSci Commerce Team | August 27, 2020 | Popular-Science
The dimmed lights and sizeable golden calf on the center of the conference table should tip you off.
‘Persecuted’ Is the Christian Right’s Paranoid Wet Dream | Candida Moss | July 22, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTHe was like Norma Desmond up there, still craving the spotlight after the spotlight had long since been dimmed.
The lights dimmed and Erik Satie's "Trois Gymnopédies" briefly came over the loud speaker.
Prabal Gurung Spring Summer 2014: Electric Feel | Isabel Wilkinson | September 7, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTAs the lights dimmed during the finale, he stood along two other favorites: Ahmed Jamal, an Egyptian, and Farah Youssef, a Syrian.
Arab Idol Mohammad Assaf Is the Middle East’s Newest Ambassador | Itay Hod | June 27, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTPalin arrived at CPAC with her once-blinding luster seriously dimmed.
Sickness had never blanched the warm glow on her cheeks, or dimmed the brightness of her large, lustrous eyes.
The World Before Them | Susanna MoodieBoth were too much overcome for words, but the doctor was the first to continue, as he took off his dimmed spectacles.
The Daisy Chain | Charlotte YongeThrough eyes already dimmed by the instant action of the deadly poison, he peered up at Ward.
The flux of pattern dimmed, then hesitated; blanked out and heroically began anew.
We're Friends, Now | Henry HasseShe never dimmed the luster of sanctifying grace which beautified her soul by actual sin.
Mary, Help of Christians | Various
British Dictionary definitions for dim
/ (dɪm) /
badly illuminated: a dim room
not clearly seen; indistinct; faint: a dim shape
having weak or indistinct vision: eyes dim with tears
lacking in understanding; mentally dull
not clear in the mind; obscure: a dim memory
lacking in brilliance, brightness, or lustre: a dim colour
tending to be unfavourable; gloomy or disapproving (esp in the phrase take a dim view)
to become or cause to become dim
(tr) to cause to seem less bright, as by comparison
US and Canadian (tr) to switch (car headlights) from the main to the lower beam: Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): dip
Origin of dim
1Derived forms of dim
- dimly, adverb
- dimness, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Other Idioms and Phrases with dim
see take a dim view.
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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