English · Word Candidate

dim

/dɪm/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: dimmer · dimmest · dims · dimming

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Not bright or colorful.

Adjective

The lighting was too dim for me to make out his facial features.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

Not smart or intelligent.

AdjectiveRegister: colloquial

He may be a bit dim, but he's not entirely stupid.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

To make something less bright.

Verb

He dimmed the lights and put on soft music.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

To become darker.

Verb

The lights dimmed briefly when the air conditioning was turned on.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

What does “dim” mean?

Not bright or colorful.

Is “dim” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.