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dull

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The definition of dull is someone who is stupid or boring or something that is not shiny or something that is not sharp.

(adjective)

An example of dull is a book that is so boring you can't get past page ten.
An example of dull is a rusted piece of metal that has not been polished and that no longer has any shine.
An example of dull is a knife that no longer cuts well because it is no longer very sharp.

See dull in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

mentally slow; stupid
lacking sensitivity; blunted in feeling or perception: dull to grief
physically slow; slow-moving; sluggish
lacking spirit, zest, etc.; not lively; listless, insipid, etc.
not active or busy; slack: a dull period for sales
causing boredom; tedious: a dull party
not pointed or sharp; blunt; not keen: a dull blade
not felt keenly; not acute: a dull headache
1. not vivid; not brilliant; dim: a dull color
2. not shiny or glossy; lusterless: a dull finish
not distinct, resonant, etc.; muffled: a dull thud
gloomy; cloudy: dull weather

Origin: ME dul < OE dol, stupid, akin to Ger toll < IE *dh(e)wel- < base *dheu-, blow, be turbid > dumb, dwell, OIr dall, blind, Gr thanatos, death

transitive verb, intransitive verb

to make or become dull

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