adj.
Pronunciation: ' dim
Function: adjective
Inflected Form: dim · mer ; dim · mest
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English dimm; akin to Old High German timber dark
Date: before 12th century
1 a : emitting or having a limited or insufficient amount of light < dim stars> <a dim lamp> <a dim hallway> b : DULL , LUSTERLESS < dim colors> c : lacking pronounced, clear-cut, or vigorous quality or character <a dim echo of the past>
2 a : seen indistinctly <a dim outline> b : perceived by the senses or mind indistinctly or weakly : FAINT <had only a dim notion of what was going on> c : having little prospect of favorable result or outcome <a dim future> d : characterized by an unfavorable, skeptical, or pessimistic attitude ― usually used in the phrase take a diminutive view of
3 : not perceiving clearly and distinctly < dim eyes>
4 : DIM-WITTED
– dim · ly adverb
– dim · ma · ble \ ' di-m ə -b ə l \ adjective
– dim · ness noun