dim
17 synonyms and 3 antonyms for dim, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Giving off or showing very little light; not bright.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use dim
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English "dimm" ("dark, gloomy"), from a Proto-Germanic root meaning "dark".
Full origin of dim →Frequently asked questions
What does “dim” mean?
The word “dim” means giving off or showing very little light; not bright. In plain terms, not very bright — whether that's a light, a memory, or, informally, a person's intelligence.
How do you pronounce “dim”?
“Dim” is pronounced dihm (/dɪm/ in IPA).
How do you use “dim” in a sentence?
Here is “dim” used in a sentence: “The restaurant had a dim, romantic glow from candlelight.”
What is another word for “dim”?
Words with a similar meaning to “dim” include dusk, bland, colourless, dingy, dull and faint.
What is the opposite of “dim”?
The opposite of “dim” — its antonyms — are bright, colored and multicolored.
What part of speech is “dim”?
Depending on how it is used, “dim” can be an adjective and a verb.
Where does the word “dim” come from?
The word “dim” comes from Old English. From Old English "dimm" ("dark, gloomy"), from a Proto-Germanic root meaning "dark".
Is “dim” a common word?
“Dim” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between "dim" and "dark"?
"Dim" describes light that is present but very weak, such as a dim lamp giving off just enough light to see by. "Dark" describes the absence of light altogether, so a dim room still has some visible light while a dark room typically has none.
Is calling someone "dim" rude?
Yes, describing a person as "dim" to mean not very intelligent or quick-witted is informal and can come across as rude or dismissive. It is generally considered impolite in formal or professional settings and is better reserved for casual, often critical, speech.
What is the difference between "dim" as an adjective and "dim" as a verb?
As an adjective, "dim" describes something already giving off little light, unclear, or hard to make out, as in "a dim memory." As a verb, "dim" describes the action of making something less bright or becoming less bright, as in "dim the lights."