Word
dimming
Phoneticsdim·ming, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈdɪmɪŋ/
UK/dˈɪmɪŋ/
Definition
v. to make a light less bright, or to become less bright. You use this when lights go low before a film or the sky fades in the evening.
v. to reduce the brightness or intensity of light, or to lose brightness gradually. Covers both deliberate adjustment and natural fading.
Examples
“She is dimming the lights for the movie.”
“The restaurant manager is dimming the overhead lights to create a calm mood for dinner.”
“As the storm clouds gathered, the afternoon sun kept dimming behind thick grey layers, turning the city streets strangely dark.”
Examples
simple
“She is dimming the lights for the movie.”
contextual
“The restaurant manager is dimming the overhead lights to create a calm mood for dinner.”
complex
“As the storm clouds gathered, the afternoon sun kept dimming behind thick grey layers, turning the city streets strangely dark.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “dimming” in context.
Verb
01. adjust dimming
“You can adjust dimming in the display settings menu.”
verb + noun
02. control dimming
“This small dial controls dimming for all the living-room lights.”
verb + noun
03. dimming starts
“Dimming starts automatically ten seconds before the show.”
noun + verb
04. dimming stops
“If dimming stops working, check the batteries in the remote.”
noun + verb
Adjective
05. automatic dimming
“I keep automatic dimming on my phone for night reading.”
adj + noun
06. gradual dimming
“The gradual dimming of the hall told us the film was about to start.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. level of dimming
“Choose the level of dimming that feels comfortable for your eyes.”
noun + prep + noun
08. adjust the level of dimming
“You can adjust the level of dimming from the wall panel.”
09. gradual dimming before the film
“The gradual dimming before the film creates a special atmosphere.”
10. turn on automatic dimming
“Turn on automatic dimming to save battery power at night.”
Usage
Both transitive and intransitive; takes a direct object when describing deliberate adjustment.
Real-World Examples
“Street lights are being switched off or dimmed to save money in three-quarters of England's council areas, according to Labour Party research.” “They also measured the changing light of stars such as Algol, and speculated that the regular dimming of Algol's light might have been caused by eclipses due to a "dark body," perhaps even a planet.” Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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