Standard Lemma guide

bedim

verb · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • /bɪˈdɪm/
  • US: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
  • rhymes with -ɪm

1

verb

Meaning 1

To make (something) dim; to darken, to obscure.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

make obscure or unclear

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • The distinction was obscured

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: obscure, overcloud

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: change, alter, modify

3

verb

Meaning 3

make darker and difficult to perceive by sight

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: benight

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: darken

History

Etymology

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *h1ep-der. Proto-Indo-European *h1épsder. Proto-Indo-European *h1epider. Proto-Indo-European *h1pi Proto-Germanic *bider. Proto-Germanic *bi- Proto-West Germanic *bi- Old English be- Middle English bi- English be- English dim English bedim From be- + dim.

Across languages

Translations

2 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Māori: parekohu — to make (something) dim — see also darken, obscure
  • Māori: whakarehurehu — to make (something) dim — see also darken, obscure