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

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

Comparative adjectives help us to describe how good or bad something is when compared to something else. For example, something is taller than something else. Superlative adjectives help us to describe something as having the most or least of a particular characteristic within a group. This makes it easier and more accurate to talk about and compare things.

What is the comparative form of “dullest”?

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

Example

The gray sky is duller than the vibrant sunset.

Example

Her voice became duller as she spoke for hours.

What is the superlative form of “dullest”?

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

Example

Among all the colors, gray is considered the dullest.

Example

The long lecture was known for being the dullest class of the semester.

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: DullDuller Superlative: DullDullest

Expressions with similar meanings to “duller”

Used to describe something that is less interesting or exciting

Example

The blander version of the movie received mixed reviews.

A straightforward way of expressing increased dullness

Example

The lecture became more boring as it went on.

Used to indicate a decrease in liveliness or energy

Example

The party became less lively after midnight.

Expressions with similar meanings to “dullest”

Similar to dullest, this emphasizes the highest level of dullness

Example

The most boring part of the movie was the slow-paced dialogue.

Used to describe the lowest level of interest or excitement

Example

The least interesting book in the series received poor reviews.

A slightly formal way of expressing the highest level of monotony

Example

The professor's lectures were the most monotonous part of the course.

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 gray sky is duller than the vibrant sunset." Here, than is used to show that the level of dullness of the gray sky is greater than the level of dullness of the vibrant sunset.

How can I use this expression in context?

“duller” and “dullest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.
  • 1Colors

    Among all the colors, gray is considered the dullest.

    Among all the colors, gray is considered the dullest.

  • 2Conversations

    Her voice became duller as she spoke for hours.

    Her voice became duller as she spoke for hours.

  • 3Movies

    The dullest part of the film was the slow-paced dialogue.

    The dullest part of the film was the slow-paced dialogue.

  • 4Classes

    The long lecture was known for being the dullest class of the semester.

    The long lecture was known for being the dullest class of the semester.

  • 5Books

    The least interesting book in the series received poor reviews.

    The least interesting book in the series received poor reviews.

Related idioms and phrases

Bored to tears

Extremely bored or uninterested.

Example

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

As exciting as watching paint dry

Describing something extremely boring or uneventful.

Example

The meeting 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.

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