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Dumb vs. Stupid

Dumb

/dʌm/

Lacking the ability to speak or considered not intelligent.

Examples:

They can't make us dumber.As for Clyde he was numb and dumb."Henry, don't play dumb with me.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Stupid

/ˈstjuːpɪd/

Lacking intelligence or common sense

Examples:

It is a lesson to you, you stupids.The stupidest fellow!' Stupid man!' shouted the Queen.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Ways to tell them apart:

Both dumb and stupid can imply a lack of intelligence, but historically, dumb referred more to the inability to speak.
The word dumb can sometimes be used in a less offensive manner, while stupid is often more harsh and direct in suggesting low intelligence.
In modern usage, dumb can be informal, sometimes used in a playful context, whereas stupid is more likely to be used in serious situations indicating poor decision-making.
Remember that dumb can also mean temporary silence or muteness, whereas stupid doesn't have this connotation.
Dumb is often used in expressions to describe something as ridiculous or silly, while stupid is used to denote something more profoundly lacking in intelligence.

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