Dim
/dɪm/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo reduce the brightness or clarity of something; to make less intense.
/dɪm/
To make or become less bright or distinct.
She dimmed the lights in the room to create a cozy atmosphere.
💡 Simply: To make something less bright, like when you turn down the lights or when the sun gets hidden behind the clouds. It’s like your eyes can’t see as well!
👶 For kids: To make something less bright or see-through, like when you turn down a flashlight.
More Examples
The approaching storm dimmed the sunlight.
The actor's fame dimmed after a series of poor performances.
How It's Used
"The headlights dimmed as the car approached."
"He dimmed the lights to create a romantic atmosphere."
Lacking in brightness or clarity; faint or obscure.
/dɪm/
Not bright or clear; faint.
The street was barely lit by a dim street lamp.
💡 Simply: Something that's not very bright. Like when the light is turned low, or it’s a cloudy day.
👶 For kids: Not bright! Like when you turn down a light, or the sun isn't shining very strong.
More Examples
He had a dim memory of the event.
The future looked dim after the company's financial losses.
How It's Used
"Her vision was dim after the surgery."
"The room was lit by a dim bulb."
From Old English *dimm, related to German *dämmern* meaning "to become dim, dawn."
The word 'dim' has been used since Old English times to describe lack of brightness and the gradual loss of light or clarity.
Memory tip
Imagine you are inside a movie theater. When the movie is about to start, the lights 'dim' to increase visibility of the screen.