(duller, dullest, dulls, dulling, dulled)
1.
If you describe someone or something as dull, you mean they are not interesting or exciting.
I felt she found me boring and dull...
= boring
? interesting
ADJ [disapproval]
• dullness
They enjoy anything that breaks the dullness of their routine life.
N-UNCOUNT
2.
Someone or something that is dull is not very lively or energetic.
The body's natural rhythms mean we all feel dull and sleepy between 1 and 3pm.
= sluggish
ADJ
• dully
His eyes looked dully ahead.
ADV: ADV after v
• dullness
Did you notice any unusual depression or dullness of mind?
N-UNCOUNT
3.
A dull colour or light is not bright.
The stamp was a dull blue colour.
ADJ: usu ADJ n
• dully
The street lamps gleamed dully through the night's mist.
ADV: ADV with v
4.
You say the weather is dull when it is very cloudy.
It's always dull and raining.
? sunny
ADJ
5.
Dull sounds are not very clear or loud.
The coffin closed with a dull thud.
ADJ: usu ADJ n
• dully
He heard his heart thump dully but more quickly.
ADV: ADV after v
6.
Dull feelings are weak and not intense.
The pain, usually a dull ache, gets worse with exercise...
? sharp
ADJ: ADJ n
• dully
His arm throbbed dully.
ADV
7.
If a knife or blade is dull, it is not sharp. (OLD-FASHIONED)
= blunt
? keen
ADJ
8.
If something dulls or if it is dulled, it becomes less intense, bright, or lively.
Her eyes dulled and she gazed blankly...
Share prices and trading have been dulled by worries over the war.
VERB: V, V n