adj

purblind

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Purblind (adj) means having weak eyesight; almost blind.

adj

Having weak eyesight; almost blind.

Describes eyes that have grown weak, especially with age, and cannot see clearly.

Slow to notice or understand things.

"Finally, between 1880 and 1900, an explosive burst of experimental activity at last drove home the truth of germ theory to all but the most purblind of critics." — John Waller, Introduction: Revolutionary, by Any Standards (2002)

Describes a place that has very little light.

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Etymology

The adjective is derived from Middle English purblind (“(adjective) completely blind; blind in one eye; near-sighted; (noun) near-sighted animal, specifically a hare”) [and other forms], possibly from pur, pure (“completely, entirely”) (ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *pewH- (“to be clean; pure”); influenced by pur- (prefix meaning ‘completely; forward; in advance’)) + blind (“sightless, blind”) (ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *bʰlendʰ- (“to blend, mix up; to make cloudy or opaque”)). Adjective sense 4.1 (“completely blind”) was the original sense. The senses denoting partial blindness are possibly the result of confusion of the first element pur- with poor, perhaps through folk etymology. (Compare parboil regarding per versus pars.) The noun and verb are derived from the adjective.

Synonyms

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obtuse

Antonyms

keen clever astute intelligent bright

Related words

smart knowing bright brilliant wise dumb sharp intelligent

Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of purblind?

"purblind" (adj) means having weak eyesight; almost blind.

What is another word for purblind?

Other words for "purblind" include obtuse.

What is the opposite of purblind?

Opposites of "purblind" include keen, clever, astute, intelligent, bright.

What are the different meanings of purblind?

"purblind" has 3 main meanings: 1. Having weak eyesight; almost blind; 2. Describes eyes that have grown weak, especially with age, and cannot see clearly; 3. Slow to notice or understand things.

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