Dim Definition

dim
adjective
  1. lacking in light; not bright or harsh; "a dim light beside the bed"; "subdued lights and soft music"
  2. lacking clarity or distinctness; "a dim figure in the distance"; "only a faint recollection"; "shadowy figures in the gloom"; "saw a vague outline of a building through the fog"; "a few wispy memories of childhood"
  3. made dim or less bright; "the dimmed houselights brought a hush of anticipation"; "dimmed headlights"; "we like dimmed lights when we have dinner"
  4. offering little or no hope; "the future looked black"; "prospects were bleak"; "Life in the Aran Islands has always been bleak and difficult"- J.M.Synge; "took a dim view of things"
  5. slow to learn or understand; lacking intellectual acuity; "so dense he never understands anything I say to him"; "never met anyone quite so dim"; "although dull at classical learning, at mathematics he was uncommonly quick"- Thackeray; "dumb officials make some really dumb decisions"; "he was either normally stupid or being deliberately obtuse"; "worked with the slow students"
verb
  1. switch (a car's headlights) from a higher to a lower beam
  2. become dim or lusterless; "the lights dimmed and the curtain rose"
  3. make dim or lusterless; "Time had dimmed the silver"
  4. make dim by comparison or conceal
  5. become vague or indistinct; "The distinction between the two theories blurred"

"Dim" in song lyrics

See how dim is used in real songs:

  • "Maybe I'll tell you when the candles dim"
    Atoms Family — Whichcraft
  • "That's his whole brain, now his lights are gettin dim"
    Benefit — My Story
  • "Sick, twisted and vindictive, with your windows dim"
    Brother Ali — Walking Away

Words that rhyme with dim

Usage tips for "dim"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "dim" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for dim to find words that pair well.

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