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dim

adj. · v.
US //ˈdɪm// UK //dˈɪm// dim
  1. 1 not bright (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    having very little light, making it difficult to see clearly.

    characterised by a low level of light; lacking brightness or clarity of illumination.

    Example

    The light in the hallway was too dim to read the room numbers.

    Example

    The dim glow from the streetlamp barely reached the far corner of the garden, leaving most of the path in deep shadow.
  2. 2 not smart (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    not very intelligent or quick to understand things.

    lacking intellectual acuity or mental sharpness.

    Example

    He is a nice guy, but he can be a bit dim when it comes to technology.

    Example

    The character is portrayed as well-meaning but somewhat dim, often missing the obvious clues that the audience sees immediately.
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  1. 3 unclear or faint (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    not clear in your mind, like a memory that is fading.

    lacking distinctness in the mind or senses; faint or indistinct.

    Example

    I have a dim memory of visiting this park when I was a small child.

    Example

    The distant mountains were only a dim outline against the grey morning sky.
  2. 4 to make less bright (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to make a light less bright, or to become less bright yourself.

    to reduce the intensity of a light source; may be used transitively or intransitively.

    Example

    The lights began to dim just before the movie started.

    Example

    The theatre manager instructed the technician to dim the house lights slowly to signal that the performance was about to begin.
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