dim

dim¹ [dım] adj comparative dimmer superlative dimmest

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1¦(dark)¦

2¦(shape)¦

3 take a dim view of something

4 dim recollection/awareness etc

5¦(eyes)¦

6¦(future chances)¦

7 in the dim and distant past

8¦(not intelligent)¦

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[: Old English;]

1.) ¦(DARK)¦

fairly dark or not giving much light, so that you cannot see well

≠ ↑bright

▪ in the dim light of the early dawn

▪ a dim glow

2.) ¦(SHAPE)¦

a dim shape is one which is not easy to see because it is too far away, or there is not enough light

▪ The dim outline of a building loomed up out of the mist.

3.) take a dim view of sth

to disapprove of something

▪ Miss Watson took a dim view of Paul's behaviour.

4.) dim recollection/awareness etc

a memory or understanding of something that is not clear in your mind

= ↑vague

▪ Laura had a dim recollection of someone telling her this before.

5.) ¦(EYES)¦

literary dim eyes are weak and cannot see well

▪ Isaac was old and his eyes were dim.

6.) ¦(FUTURE CHANCES)¦

if your chances of success in the future are dim, they are not good

▪ Prospects for an early settlement of the dispute are dim.

7.) in the dim and distant past

a very long time ago - used humorously

8.) ¦(NOT INTELLIGENT)¦ informal

not intelligent

▪ You can be really dim sometimes!

>dimly adv

▪ a dimly lit room

▪ She was only dimly aware of the risk.

>dimness n [U]

dim ²

dim² v past tense and past participle dimmed present participle dimming

1.) [I and T]

if a light dims, or if you dim it, it becomes less bright

▪ The lights in the theatre began to dim.

2.) [I and T]

if a feeling, quality etc dims or is dimmed, it grows weaker or less

▪ Even the rain could not dim their enthusiasm.

▪ Hopes of a peaceful settlement have dimmed.

3.) dim your headlights/lights

AmE to lower the angle of the front lights of your car, especially when someone is driving towards you

British Equivalent: dip