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deaf

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /def/

deaf means: Unable to hear, or able to hear only a little.

adjective

UNABLE TO HEARA2

Unable to hear, or able to hear only a little.

  • My grandfather is deaf.
  • She became partially deaf after the illness.
  • Many deaf children learn sign language.

How to use it: deaf in one/both ears (He is deaf in one ear.)

Similar words: hard of hearing

Common phrases: deaf child, partially deaf, deaf in something

UNWILLING TO LISTENC1

Refusing to listen to advice, requests, or arguments.

  • He was deaf to our advice.
  • The manager remained deaf to their complaints.
  • Why are they deaf to every appeal for help?

How to use it: deaf to something (The council remained deaf to our warnings.)

Similar words: unresponsive, unreceptive

Opposites: receptive

Common phrases: deaf to something, deaf to reason

Questions about deaf

What does deaf mean?

Unable to hear, or able to hear only a little.

What is deaf in other languages?

Türkçe: sağır · Español: sordo · Français: sourd · Deutsch: gehörlos · Italiano: sordo · 日本語: 耳が聞こえない

How do you pronounce deaf?

It is pronounced /def/.

How do you use deaf in a sentence?

My grandfather is deaf. She became partially deaf after the illness.

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Phrases with deaf

deaf in other languages

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