deaf
0 antonyms and opposites of deaf, grouped by meaning.
Adj — Unable, or only partly able, to hear.
How to use deaf
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English deaf, from a Proto-Germanic root related to Ancient Greek typhlos, "blind" — the same broad idea of a blocked sense.
Full origin of deaf →Frequently asked questions
What does “deaf” mean?
The word “deaf” means unable, or only partly able, to hear. In plain terms, unable to hear, or (figuratively) refusing to pay attention to something.
How do you pronounce “deaf”?
“Deaf” is pronounced dehf (/diːf/ in IPA).
How do you use “deaf” in a sentence?
Here is “deaf” used in a sentence: “She has been deaf since birth.”
What is another word for “deaf”?
Words with a similar meaning to “deaf” include hard of hearing and hearing-impaired.
What part of speech is “deaf”?
“Deaf” is an adjective.
Where does the word “deaf” come from?
The word “deaf” comes from Ancient Greek. From Old English deaf, from a Proto-Germanic root related to Ancient Greek typhlos, "blind" — the same broad idea of a blocked sense.
Is “deaf” a common word?
“Deaf” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “deaf” have?
“Deaf” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: unable, or only partly able, to hear.
What is the difference between deaf and Deaf with a capital D?
Lowercase "deaf" describes the audiological condition of being unable, or only partly able, to hear. Capital-D "Deaf" signals identity with the Deaf community and its culture, typically among people who communicate primarily through sign language. Someone can be deaf without identifying as Deaf.
What is the difference between deaf and hard of hearing?
"Deaf" generally describes little or no functional hearing, while "hard of hearing" describes mild to moderate hearing loss where useful hearing remains. Individuals choose the term that best matches their experience, so it is polite to follow each person's own preference.
Is hearing-impaired an acceptable alternative to deaf?
Many deaf and hard-of-hearing people dislike "hearing-impaired" because it defines them by an impairment, and advocacy organizations now recommend saying "deaf" or "hard of hearing" instead. "Deaf" is not a rude word — it is the term the community itself most commonly uses.
Is the expression "fall on deaf ears" about hearing loss?
No. It uses the figurative sense of deaf — refusing to listen — so a request that "falls on deaf ears" is ignored by people who could hear it perfectly well. Likewise, to "turn a deaf ear" is to choose not to listen; some writers now avoid these idioms out of sensitivity.