How Do You Spell DUMB?

Pronunciation: [dˈʌm] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "dumb" may seem peculiar to non-native English speakers due to its silent "b" at the end. However, this letter actually serves a purpose by indicating the pronunciation of the preceding vowel sound, giving the word an "uh" sound rather than an "ah" sound. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is spelled /dʌm/, with the symbol "ʌ" representing the "uh" sound. "Dumb" is often used to describe a person who lacks intelligence or the ability to speak, but it is important to note that this word can be considered offensive and should be used with caution.

DUMB Meaning and Definition

  1. Dumb is an adjective that can be used to describe a person, action, or situation that lacks intelligence, understanding, or the ability to speak. It refers to someone who is mentally slow, lacking in intelligence or common sense, or someone who acts in a foolish or unintelligent manner.

    In the context of an individual, dumb may encompass a limited cognitive ability or a lack of intellectual development. It can also imply a person's inability to communicate effectively or articulate thoughts coherently, resulting in a difficulty expressing oneself verbally.

    Dumb can also be used to describe actions or decisions that are considered foolish, illogical, or lacking sound judgment. For example, if someone takes unnecessary risks or acts in a manner contrary to common sense, it may be criticized as a dumb move or dumb decision.

    However, it is important to note that the term "dumb" can be derogatory and offensive when used to insult or belittle an individual. In recent years, there has been a push for more inclusive language, encouraging the use of alternative terms such as "intellectually challenged" or "speech impaired" to avoid derogatory connotations associated with the word "dumb."

  2. Mute, speechless, unable to speak.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. Mute; silent; unable to speak.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for DUMB *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for DUMB

Etymology of DUMB

The origin of the word "dumb" can be traced back to Old English. It derives from the Old English word "dumb", meaning "silent" or "mute". This Old English term can be further traced to the Proto-Germanic word "dumbs", which meant "stunned", "speechless", or "deaf". In its earliest usage, "dumb" primarily referred to the inability to speak or make sounds. Over time, the meaning of the word expanded to also include the connotations of stupidity or lack of intelligence.

Idioms with the word DUMB

  • strike dumb The idiom "strike dumb" means to render someone momentarily speechless or unable to speak due to extreme shock, surprise, or astonishment. It implies that something has happened that is so unexpected or stunning that it leaves a person unable to articulate a response.
  • play dumb The idiom "play dumb" means to pretend to be ignorant or uninformed about something, usually in order to avoid responsibility, avoid answering a question, or deceive others.
  • strike (someone) dumb The idiom "strike (someone) dumb" refers to a situation where someone is left speechless or unable to speak due to astonishment, surprise, shock, or disbelief. It implies that something unexpected or shocking has caused a sudden loss of words or the inability to respond verbally.
  • dumb ox The idiom "dumb ox" refers to a person who is perceived as being unintelligent, slow-witted, or lacking in intellectual abilities. It is often used to describe someone who is strong or physically imposing but believed to be intellectually inferior.
  • dumb shit The idiom "dumb shit" is typically used to refer to something that is considered foolish, stupid, or senseless. It implies an action, behavior, or statement that lacks intelligence or common sense.
  • How dumb do you think I am? The idiom "How dumb do you think I am?" is a rhetorical question that expresses disbelief or indignation towards someone who is underestimating or disrespecting the intelligence or intuition of the speaker. It implies that the speaker is far smarter or more perceptive than the person they are addressing, highlighting a sense of being insulted or underestimated.
  • dumb bunny The idiom "dumb bunny" refers to a person who is perceived to be foolish, dim-witted, or lacking intelligence. It is often used humorously or affectionately to refer to someone who makes naive or silly decisions.
  • be struck dumb The idiom "be struck dumb" refers to a state of being rendered speechless or unable to utter words, often due to shock, surprise, or astonishment. It implies a complete loss of ability to articulate thoughts or express oneself verbally.
  • dumb cluck The idiom "dumb cluck" is a derogatory term used to describe a person who is foolish, unintelligent, or lacking common sense. It implies that the person has a lack of awareness or intelligence, often making foolish mistakes or decisions.
  • dumb down The idiom "dumb down" refers to simplifying or reducing the complexity or difficulty of something, often to make it more accessible to a wider audience or to accommodate individuals with lower levels of understanding or knowledge. It implies the act of making information, ideas, or concepts less challenging or intellectually demanding.
  • dumb Dora The idiom "dumb Dora" is a derogatory term used to describe a person, typically a woman, who is perceived as unintelligent or lacking in common sense. It suggests that the person is foolish or naive in their actions or decisions.
  • a dumb priest never got a parish The idiom "a dumb priest never got a parish" means that those who do not speak up or express their opinions are less likely to be given opportunities or responsibilities. It implies that one must effectively communicate and actively participate to gain recognition or attain a desired role.
  • dumb as a post The idiom "dumb as a post" is used to describe someone who is extremely foolish or lacking intelligence. It implies that the person is as void of knowledge or understanding as an inanimate object like a post, which cannot think or speak.
  • dumb (something) down The idiom "dumb (something) down" means to simplify or reduce the complexity of something in order to make it easier to understand or comprehend, often with the intention of appealing to a wider audience or making it accessible to people with less knowledge or intelligence.
  • deaf and dumb The idiom "deaf and dumb" is an outdated and offensive term that is used to refer to someone who is unable to hear or speak. It is considered derogatory and disrespectful towards individuals with hearing or speech impairments. It is important to use more respectful and inclusive language, such as "deaf and nonverbal" or "deaf and unable to speak," when discussing these disabilities.
  • dumb-dodo The idiom "dumb-dodo" refers to someone who is foolish, unintelligent, or lacking common sense. It is often used in a playful or teasing manner to describe someone who has made a silly mistake or is acting foolishly.
  • dumb-ass A derogatory term used to describe someone who is foolish, ignorant, or lacking intelligence.
  • dumb-dumb A dumb-dumb is a slang term used to describe a foolish or unintelligent person.

Similar spelling words for DUMB

Conjugate verb Dumb

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have dumbed
you would have dumbed
he/she/it would have dumbed
we would have dumbed
they would have dumbed

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been dumbing
you would have been dumbing
he/she/it would have been dumbing
we would have been dumbing
they would have been dumbing

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would dumb
you would dumb
he/she/it would dumb
we would dumb
they would dumb

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be dumbing
you would be dumbing
he/she/it would be dumbing
we would be dumbing
they would be dumbing

FUTURE

I will dumb
you will dumb
he/she/it will dumb
we will dumb
they will dumb

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be dumbing
you will be dumbing
he/she/it will be dumbing
we will be dumbing
they will be dumbing

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have dumbed
you will have dumbed
he/she/it will have dumbed
we will have dumbed
they will have dumbed

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been dumbing
you will have been dumbing
he/she/it will have been dumbing
we will have been dumbing
they will have been dumbing

IMPERATIVE

we Let´s dumb

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was dumbing
you were dumbing
he/she/it was dumbing
we were dumbing
they were dumbing

PAST PARTICIPLE

dumbed

PAST PERFECT

I had dumbed
you had dumbed
he/she/it had dumbed
we had dumbed
they had dumbed

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been dumbing
you had been dumbing
he/she/it had been dumbing
we had been dumbing
they had been dumbing

PRESENT

I dumb
you dumb
he/she/it dumbs
we dumb
they dumb

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am dumbing
you are dumbing
he/she/it is dumbing
we are dumbing
they are dumbing

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

dumbing

PRESENT PERFECT

I have dumbed
you have dumbed
he/she/it has dumbed
we have dumbed
they have dumbed

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been dumbing
you have been dumbing
he/she/it has been dumbing
we have been dumbing
they have been dumbing

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it dumb

SIMPLE PAST

I dumbed
you dumbed
he/she/it dumbed
we dumbed
they dumbed

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