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