Cool MateNumb
UK //nʌm//US //nʌm//
Definition
Unable to feel physical sensations or emotions.
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.
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'.