English pronunciation · Words Starting with D
Dumb Pronunciation
Dumb is pronounced DUHM, IPA /ˈdəm/.
DUHM
US /ˈdəm/ · UK /ˈdʌm/
Syllables: DUHM (1 syllable)
adjective: Unable or unwilling to speak, and in informal use stupid.
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Dumb in a Sentence
- He was struck dumb by the question.
- That was a dumb thing to agree to.
- The crowd went dumb for a second and then roared.
Common Mispronunciations of Dumb
Not DUHMB
Stop at the m and let the b go unsounded. Old English did say it, and the letter stayed behind after the sound left.
Not DOOM
The u is the one in hum. Stretching it to oo gives doom, which is a different word with a gloomier job.
Tip: Dumbbell, dumbfounded, and dumber all keep the b silent too.
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