Dully - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Dully means in a way that lacks brightness, sharpness, or interest. It can describe something done without enthusiasm or something appearing muted or unshiny, like a dull color or sound.
Definition:
Without interest or enthusiasm; in a boring or unexciting manner.
Synonyms:
Blandly, monotonously, tediously, uninterestingly, flatly
Part of Speech:
Adverb
Antonyms:
Brightly, vividly
Common Collocations:
Speak dully, shine dully, respond dully, move dully
Derivatives:
Dullness, dullard
Usage Tips:
Use "dully" to describe actions or speech lacking energy or excitement; often paired with verbs like "speak" or "glow."
Common Phrases:
Dull as dishwater, cut and dried, same old same old
Etymology:
From Middle English "dul," meaning slow-witted or lacking sharpness; evolved to describe lack of brightness or interest.
Examples:
- 1. The knife gleamed dully in the dim light.
- 2. She answered the question dully, without any enthusiasm.
- 3. The lecture dragged on dully for hours.
- 4. His eyes stared dully at the blank page.