Dumber

Dumber is the comparative form of the adjective dumb, used to denote a higher degree of foolishness or lack of intelligence in comparison with another person, idea, or situation. It is an informal term and can be considered offensive when applied to a person, so it is usually avoided in formal writing.

Etymology and usage context: The word dumb originally meant mute in Old English, and its modern sense of lacking intelligence developed over time. The comparative form dumber is created by the regular suffix -er. In contemporary usage, the distinction between dumb as mute and dumb as stupid is typically made through context, but some audiences still perceive a stronger insult when the term is applied to someone.

Usage notes: Dumber is common in casual speech and humor to intensify a claim that a decision or action is ill-conceived. It can describe people, plans, or ideas, but it is not suitable for professional or respectful discourse. Example: "That plan is dumber than the last one we tried." Another example: "Don’t make a dumber choice just to save a little time."

Cultural and linguistic notes: While widely understood, dumber does not function as a formal label or proper noun in standard usage. It may appear in jokes, satire, or fictional dialogue. The related term dumb and the neutral alternatives less intelligent or more foolish are often preferred in careful writing. The phrase Dumb and Dumber is a well-known film title, but it uses Dumb rather than Dumber.