adjective

dim

/dɪm/ · say it: DIM

not bright; faint

In Describing & Comparing

In more detail

1. (adjective) not bright; dark or not well-lit

2. (adjective) not clear or easy to see; faint

3. (verb) to make something less bright

4. (adjective) not clear in understanding; not sharp or distinct in memory

Examples

1. The restaurant has dim lighting that creates a romantic atmosphere.
2. I could see a dim outline of the house through the fog.
3. She dimmed the lights before the movie started.

How to use dim

Dim describes something that lacks brightness, clarity, or sharpness, and can apply to literal light, visibility, or mental recollection. It is more neutral and literary than dark, and often suggests a gradual reduction rather than absolute darkness. When used of memory or understanding, it implies vagueness or weakness rather than complete absence.

Common phrases

dim light
dim outline
dim memory
dim the lights
growing dim

Synonyms

dark · faint · dull · murky · shadowy

Opposites

bright · clear · vivid

Word family

dimly (adverb) · dimness (noun) · dimmer (noun)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use 'dim' to mean 'stupid' (British slang sense), which is informal and may offend; the neutral adjective senses are brightness and clarity.

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dim