dull

The word “dull” means boring; lacking interest or excitement. In plain terms, lacking sharpness, shine, excitement, or quickness of mind — covers blades, colors, personalities, and pain alike.

“Dull” is pronounced duhl (/dʌl/ in IPA).

Here is “dull” used in a sentence: “The lecture was so dull that half the class fell asleep.”

Words with a similar meaning to “dull” include dullen.

Depending on how it is used, “dull” can be an adjective and a verb.

The word “dull” comes from Old English. From Old English dol, "foolish, stupid" — related to German toll ("crazy, wild") and ultimately from a root meaning "to dim or make obscure.".

“Dull” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“Dull” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: boring; lacking interest or excitement.

Both can describe something that lacks interest or excitement, and in that sense they overlap. 'Dull' is slightly milder and can also mean lacking brightness or sharpness, while 'boring' refers only to a lack of interest. A dull knife or a dull colour makes sense, but a 'boring knife' does not.

When describing a blade, 'dull' and 'blunt' both mean not sharp and unable to cut easily. 'Blunt' is the more common word for this in British English, while 'dull' is often preferred in American English. 'Dull' also carries several other meanings that 'blunt' does not.

The opposite of 'dull' depends on the meaning. For something boring, the opposite is 'interesting' or 'exciting'; for a blade, it is 'sharp'; for a colour or surface, it is 'bright' or 'vivid'; and for a slow-witted person, it is 'sharp' or 'quick'.

Yes. 'Dull' is commonly used to describe grey, overcast weather that lacks brightness, as in 'a dull, cloudy day'. This draws on the sense of dull meaning lacking shine or vividness.