dim

The word "dim" is an adjective that describes a low level of light.

It’s getting dim.

• It gets dim as the sun sets.
• It suddenly got dim as storm clouds passed overhead.
• It was way too dim for Carla to read, so she turned on a light.
• Dim lighting at the intersection caused an accident
• The light coming from my computer was too bright, so I made it dimmer.

The word "dim" can also be used to describe a situation:

• They took a dim view of his proposal. (They didn’t like his idea.)
• Chances for a deal to avoid a government shutdown are looking dim.
• Matt’s odds of getting the job that he wants are looking dimmer and dimmer.

Sometimes "dim" describes a person who is not very intelligent:

• Todd is a dim person.
• She’s not very interesting. In fact, she’s kind of dim.
• A lot of people say that the owner of the company is a dimwit.

A device that decreases or increases the level of light is called a "dimmer."

• Turn down the light with the dimmer.
• Is there a dimmer switch?
• Hit the dimmer.

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September 30, 2013