What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dulling
Example
The constant use of the knife has dulled its blade. [dulled: past participle]
Example
The colors of the painting have dulled over time due to exposure to sunlight. [dulled: verb]
Example
The medication helped dull the pain in my knee. [dull: verb]
dimming
Example
The lights in the theater started dimming as the show was about to begin. [dimming: present participle]
Example
As the sun set, the sky began to dim, and the stars became visible. [dim: verb]
Example
She spoke in a low voice, gradually dimming until she stopped talking altogether. [dimming: gerund]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dimming is more commonly used than dulling in everyday language, especially in the context of light or sound. Dulling is less common and is usually used in more specific contexts, such as describing the loss of sharpness in a knife or the reduction of pain.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between dulling and dimming?
Both dulling and dimming are relatively informal words and can be used in casual conversation. However, dulling may be more commonly used in technical or specialized contexts, such as in the field of optics or materials science.
