dimmer

Everyday

1. Dimmer means less bright: «The light grew dimmer.» tree →
2. A dimmer (or dimmer switch) is a switch that lets you make a light brighter or less bright. tree →
3. Informally, dimmer can mean less clever (from dim = not clever) — unkind. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life a dimmer switch makes a room cosy for films or bedtime. In science lessons, a dimmer works by changing how much electricity reaches the bulb. In stories lights grow dimmer as night falls or a torch battery runs out. Phrases: «dimmer switch», «grow dimmer», «get dimmer».

Examples

• The light got dimmer as the sun went down. tree →
• Turn the dimmer down for the film. tree →
• We have a dimmer switch in the living room. tree →
• The torch got dimmer and dimmer. tree →
• Stars look dimmer near city lights. tree →
• The cave grew dimmer the further we went. tree →
• Can you turn the dimmer up? I can't read. tree →
• His voice grew dimmer as he walked away. tree →

Note

Comparative: dim, dimmer, dimmest (double m). Trap: «dimmer» (less bright) vs «dinner» (a meal) look alike. Do not call people «dim» — it is rude.