# dimly

**Pronunciation:** /ˈdɪmli/ · DIM-lee

**CEFR level:** B1

**Part of speech:** adverb

## Meaning

In a way that is faint, weak, or unclear, especially regarding light or a memory.

## Examples

- The room was dimly lit, making it hard to see.
- He dimly recalled a face from his childhood.
- The stars shone dimly through the clouds.

## Synonyms

- faintly — Suggests a lack of clarity or strength, often used for senses or memories.
- obscurely — Implies being hidden or not easily understood, often for memories or meanings.
- vaguely — Indicates a lack of precise detail or certainty, especially for memories or feelings.
- poorly — Used for light that is insufficient or of bad quality.

## Antonyms

- brightly — In a way that gives out or reflects a lot of light.
- clearly — In a way that is easy to see, hear, or understand.
- vividly — In a way that is very clear, detailed, and easy to imagine, especially for memories.

## Common patterns

- dimly lit — Describing a place with very little light. — The hallway was dimly lit, so we used our phone flashlights.
- dimly recall — To remember something in a way that is not clear or precise. — I dimly recall my grandmother's face, but not her voice.
- dimly aware — Having only a slight or uncertain understanding of something. — He was dimly aware that something was wrong.

## Collocations

- dimly lit — The attic was dimly lit by a single dusty window.
- dimly recall — She dimly recalled meeting him at a party years ago.
- dimly perceived — He dimly perceived a figure standing in the doorway.

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