Speakur

Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

numb

/nʌm/

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 3.53 in modern English

Syllables
numb
IPA
/nʌm/
8
Scrabble Score
4
Letters
1
Syllables
4
Unique Chars

Meaning

adj

Physically unable to feel, not having the power of sensation.

adj

Emotionally unable to feel or respond in a normal way.

adj

Dumb or stupid.

adj

Causing numbness.

Obsolete

verb

To cause to become numb (physically or emotionally).

Transitive verb

verb

To cause (a feeling) to be less intense.

Transitive verb

verb

To cause (the mind, faculties, etc.) to be less acute.

Transitive verb

verb

To become numb (especially physically).

Intransitive verb

Example Sentences

Etymology

From the past participle of nim (“to take”). Compare German benommen (“dazed, numb”) and Old Norse numinn. The final ⟨b⟩ is a later addition; it was never pronounced, and did not appear in the original word.

Word Breakdown

Usage

Inflected Forms

number (comparative) numbest (superlative) numbs (present, singular) numbing (participle, present) numbed (participle, past) numbed (past)

Derived Forms

benumb numbfish numbhead numbish numbly numbness numbnuts numbskull numbskulled numbwit numby renumb

Phrases

brain-numbing numb-brained numb-handed mind-numbing numb out

Frequently Paired Words

numskull

Synonyms

deadened insensible nerveless dead stunned benumb dull asleep benumbed

Homonyms

num

Antonyms

sensible sensitive

Rhymes With

from some come become dumb mum sum um drum cum thumb gum

Questions

How do you pronounce numb?
The recorded pronunciation is /nʌm/.
What does numb mean?
Physically unable to feel, not having the power of sensation.
Where does numb come from?
From the past participle of nim (“to take”). Compare German benommen (“dazed, numb”) and Old Norse numinn. The final ⟨b⟩ is a later addition; it was never pronounced, and did not appear in the original word.

How to pronounce numb

  1. Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “numb”.
  2. Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/nʌm/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
  3. Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “numb”.
  4. Repeat and practice — Say “numb” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.