B1adjective 2K

Numb

UK //nʌm// US //nʌm// Pronunciation

Definition

Unable to feel physical sensations or emotions.

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In simple words: Not able to feel or move something.

Examples

• After sitting for too long, my leg felt completely numb.
• He felt numb from the shock of the news.
• The cold weather made my fingers numb.
• She felt numb inside after the breakup.
• He was numb to the criticism he received.

Usage notes

Used to describe a physical or emotional lack of feeling. Often appropriate in both casual and formal contexts.

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Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'numb' like 'numbered', as in losing feeling or being counted out.

Collocations

• numb sensation
• numb feeling
• feel numb
• go numb

Synonyms

• insensitive
• unfeeling
• impassive
• motionless

Antonyms

• sensitive
• feeling
• responsive

Common mistakes

• Confusing 'numb' with 'numbed', which implies an action taken to cause numbness.
• Using 'numb' for emotions when feeling hurt is better expressed as 'numbed'.
• Mistaking 'numb' as a synonym for 'dumb'.