What does dulls mean?
"Dulls" is the third-person singular present form of the verb "dull," meaning to make something less sharp, bright, intense, or lively. It applies both literally — rain dulls a blade's edge, dust dulls a polished surface — and figuratively, where it describes the weakening of sensations, emotions, and faculties: routine dulls the imagination, familiarity dulls surprise, and medication may dull the pain. The word carries a mildly negative connotation, suggesting gradual loss rather than sudden destruction; things dulled fade quietly rather than being broken. This makes it a useful verb for describing erosion over time, whether of physical sharpness or human responsiveness. Its cognates appear throughout English, from the adjective "dull" itself to derivatives like "dullness" and "dully." Because it works with such a wide range of subjects — sounds, colours, appetites, minds, and edges alike — "dulls" remains one of the most versatile verbs for expressing diminishment.
verb"Dulls" is the third-person singular present tense of the verb "dull," meaning to make or become less bright, sharp, or intense, or to make something less lively or interesting.
- To make something less sharp, bright, or intense (e.g. time dulls the memory).
- To make someone less alert, sensitive, or enthusiastic (e.g. monotony dulls the mind).
- To lessen or deaden a feeling, especially pain.
"The constant drizzle dulls the colours of the garden."
"Years of grief have not dulled her memories of that summer."
"A heavy meal often dulls concentration in the afternoon."
The word "dull" once meant the opposite in one sense — a dull sword was simply one that had been blunted by honest use, not one that was boring.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does dulls come from?
The verb "dull" derives from the Middle English adjective "dul," meaning foolish, slow-witted, or blunt, which came from Old English "dol" (foolish) via Proto-Germanic roots related to slowness or stupidity. The adjective appeared in English before the verb, with the sense of "making blunt or less sharp" developing naturally from the adjectival meaning. Related Germanic words include German "toll" (mad, wild), reflecting the same ancient root. The transitive and intransitive uses were both well established by early modern English.
Related word forms
How dulls is actually used
"Dulls" is standard register and appears frequently in both literal contexts (blades, colours, sound) and figurative ones (emotions, mental acuity, appetite). It is slightly more common in British English in figurative use but fully standard everywhere.
Easily confused with dulls
"Duels" are formal combat between two people, whereas "dulls" means making something less sharp or vivid.