Basic Details
Word: Dumb
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Unable to speak; sometimes used to describe someone who doesnt understand or is not very smart.
Synonyms: Silent, mute, foolish
Antonyms: Intelligent, clever, talkative
Idioms and Phrases
- Dumb as a rock: Used to describe someone who is not very smart. Example: "He forgot the simplest of instructions; hes dumb as a rock sometimes."
- Dumbfound: To be so surprised or shocked that one cannot react or speak. Example: "The magicians trick left the audience dumbfound; nobody knew how it was done."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The puppy was so excited that it seemed dumb, running around without a care in the world.
Example 2: She stayed dumb during the meeting, thinking about her next idea instead of talking.
Example 3: It was a dumb decision to forget his homework on the bus, as he had to face the teacher's disappointment.
Fun Fact
The word "dumb" originally came from the Old English word "dumb" meaning "silent" or "mute." Over time, its meaning shifted more towards describing someone lacking intelligence, although this usage is now often considered negative.
Famous Quote
"It is better to be quiet and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt." Abraham Lincoln
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "dumb" mean?
a) Unable to speak
b) Very loud
c) Extremely smart
d) Quick to answer
Answer: a) Unable to speak
2. Which of these is a synonym of "dumb"?
a) Silent
b) Brave
c) Artistic
d) Active
Answer: a) Silent
3. Which of the following is an antonym of "dumb"?
a) Mute
b) Intelligent
c) Quiet
d) Foolish
Answer: b) Intelligent
4. Which sentence uses "dumb" correctly?
a) The dumb child ran very fast.
b) It was a dumb thing to do to forget your lunch.
c) The dumb dog barked loudly.
d) The sun is dumb today.
Answer: b) It was a dumb thing to do to forget your lunch.
5. What does "dumb as a rock" mean?
a) Very intelligent
b) Quite happy
c) Not very smart
d) Extremely nice
Answer: c) Not very smart
