dull

• Qualifie quelque chose qui n'est pas intéressant, captivant ou vif, ou qui manque d'éclat et de luminosité.

Describes something that is not interesting, exciting, or bright.

1. Not interesting or excitingA2formal

   Lacking interest, excitement, or stimulation; boring.

   ennuyeux, sans intérêt

   • The lecture was so dull that many students fell asleep.
   • He found the movie dull and predictable.
   • The party was dull, so they left early.

   Synonymesboringdrabdrearydryflathumdrumlacklusterlifelessmonotonousstaletedioustiresomeunexcitinguninterestingwearisome

   Antonymesabsorbingengagingentertainingexcitingfascinatinginterestinglivelyspiritedstimulatingvivid

2. B1formal

   Having a blunt edge or point; not sharp.

   émoussé

   • The knife is too dull to cut the bread.
   • She tried to sharpen the dull pencil.
   • A dull blade can be dangerous to use.

   Synonymesbluntbluntededgelessobtuseunsharpened

   Antonymesacutekeenpointedsharp

3. Not bright or shinyB1formal

   Lacking brightness, vividness, or shine.

   terne, sans éclat

   • The sky was dull and gray all day.
   • The paint has a dull finish.
   • His eyes looked dull from exhaustion.

   Synonymesdimdingyfadedflatlacklustermattesubdued

   Antonymesbrightgleamingglossyglowingluminouslustrouspolishedradiantshinysparkling

4. Not intelligentB2informal

   Slow to understand or learn; not clever.

   Peu intelligent

   • He was considered a dull student in his early years.
   • She felt dull compared to her brilliant classmates.
   • Don't be so dull; it's a simple concept.

   Synonymesbrainlessdensedimdumbobtusesimpleslowstupidthickunintelligent

   Antonymesbrightcleverintelligentquicksharpsmart

• Verbe désignant l'action de rendre quelque chose moins aigu, moins intense ou moins vif, ou de devenir moins actif ou moins sensible.

A verb used to indicate the act of making something less sharp, intense, or vivid, or to become less active or sensitive.

1. Make less sharpB2formal

   To make something less sharp or less intense.

   Émousser, rendre moins tranchant

   • Constant use dulled the blade of the knife.
   • The repeated impact dulled the chisel's edge.
   • Time dulls even the sharpest memories.

   Synonymesbluntdampendeadenlessenmitigatereducetemperweaken

   Antonymesaccentuateedgehoneintensifypointsharpenstrengthenwhet

2. Reduce intensityB2formal

   To make something less bright, loud, or strong.

   Atténuer

   • The thick curtains dulled the sunlight in the room.
   • The medication dulled the pain in his knee.
   • The fog dulled the sound of the traffic.

   Synonymesalleviatebluntdampendeadendiminishlessenmitigatemufflemutereducesoftensubduetemper

   Antonymesamplifybrightenheightenintensifysharpenstrengthen

3. Make less interestingB2informal

   To make something less exciting or stimulating.

   Rendre moins intéressant

   • The long lecture dulled the students' attention.
   • Repetitive tasks can dull your enthusiasm for work.
   • The gray weather dulled the mood of the party.

   Synonymesbluntboredampendeadenstiflesubduetireweary

   Antonymesenlivenexciteintereststimulate