What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dumb
Example
The boy was born deaf and dumb. [dumb: adjective]
Example
It was a dumb idea to go out without an umbrella in the rain. [dumb: adjective]
stupid
Example
He made a stupid mistake by leaving his keys in the car. [stupid: adjective]
Example
The computer was running at a stupidly slow pace. [stupidly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Stupid is more commonly used than dumb in everyday language, and is more versatile in its usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dumb and stupid?
Neither dumb nor stupid are formal words, and both are considered informal and casual.
