Learn how to use the comparative “duller” and superlative “dullest” with example sentences and differences.

What is the comparative form of “dull”?

The comparative form of “dull” is “duller”.

Example

The pencil is duller than the knife.

Example

The movie was duller than I expected.

What is the superlative form of “dull”?

The superlative form of “dull” is “dullest”.

Example

Among all the knives, this one is the dullest.

Example

The presentation was considered the dullest of the day.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

'Most' and 'more' are generally not used with dull, duller, and dullest. They’re considered regular comparatives and superlatives. The forms 'more dull' and 'most dull' are not used because they sound awkward. Instead, duller and dullest are the correct and preferred forms to use.

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

Dull does not have an irregular comparative or superlative form. It follows the standard pattern for forming comparatives and superlatives. So, to summarize: Comparative: Dull → Duller Superlative: Dull → Dullest

Expressions with similar meanings to “duller”

blander

Used to describe something that is less interesting or exciting

Example

The blander version of the book didn't captivate me as much.

more boring

A straightforward way of expressing something that is less engaging

Example

The lecture was more boring than I anticipated.

less vibrant

Used to indicate something that lacks energy or liveliness

Example

The less vibrant colors in the painting made it less appealing.

Expressions with similar meanings to “dullest”

blandest

Similar to dullest, this emphasizes something that lacks excitement or interest

Example

The blandest dish on the menu was the least popular.

most boring

A straightforward way of expressing the highest level of dullness

Example

The most boring part of the movie was the long dialogue scenes.

least vibrant

Used to indicate something that lacks energy or liveliness to the greatest extent

Example

The painting with the least vibrant colors was the least appealing.

Using than with comparative “duller”

When using the comparative form duller to compare two things, you would use than to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "The pencil is duller than the knife." Here, than is used to show that the level of dullness of the pencil is greater than the level of dullness of the knife.

How can I use this expression in context?

“duller” and “dullest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.

• 1. Objects

  The old painting is duller than the new one.

  The old painting is duller than the new one.

• 2. Events

  The second half of the game was duller than the first half.

  The second half of the game was duller than the first half.

• 3. Colors

  The gray sky made the landscape look duller.

  The gray sky made the landscape look duller.

• 4. Conversations

  The small talk at the party was duller than the deep discussions.

  The small talk at the party was duller than the deep discussions.

• 5. Performances

  The actor's delivery in the second act was duller than in the first act.

  The actor's delivery in the second act was duller than in the first act.

Related idioms and phrases

Bored to tears

Extremely bored or uninterested.

Example

The lecture was so dry that I was bored to tears.

As exciting as watching paint dry

Describing something that is extremely boring or uneventful.

Example

The documentary about grass growing was as exciting as watching paint dry.

Dead as a doornail

Completely lifeless or uninteresting.

Example

The party was dead as a doornail with no music or entertainment.