Blind

Definition

Blind is an adjective, noun, and verb. As an adjective, it describes a person or animal lacking the ability to see or something done without knowledge or awareness. As a noun, it can refer to a covering for a window or an object that conceals something. As a verb, it means to deprive someone of sight or to prevent them from seeing or understanding.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /blaɪnd/
• Respelling: BLYND

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /blaɪnd/
• Respelling: BLYND

Etymology

The word "blind" originates from the Old English "blind," meaning "sightless" or "dark." It is of Germanic origin, related to the Dutch "blind" and the German "blind," both meaning "sightless."

Derivatives

• Blindly (adverb)
• Blindness (noun)
• Blinder (noun)
• Blinding (adjective/verb)
• Blindfold (noun/verb)

Synonyms

• Sightless
• Unseeing
• Oblivious

Antonyms

• Sighted
• Aware
• Perceptive

Usage

The term "blind" is widely used to describe the condition of lacking sight, or metaphorically, to refer to actions done without full knowledge or understanding. For example, "She has been blind since birth," or "They took a blind guess."

Related Terms

• Vision: The faculty or state of being able to see.
• Obscure: To keep from being seen or understood.
• Blindfold: A piece of cloth covering the eyes to block sight.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• Unable to see; sightless: Describes a person or animal without the ability to see.
  • Example: "He has been blind since childhood."
• Done without sufficient knowledge or awareness: Refers to actions taken without full understanding or preparation.
  • Example: "They made a blind guess at the answer."

Noun

• A covering for a window: Refers to a fabric or material that blocks light and visibility.
  • Example: "They pulled down the blinds to darken the room."
• A concealed place used for hunting: Refers to a hidden area where hunters can wait unseen by their prey.
  • Example: "The hunters set up a blind near the lake."

Verb

• To deprive someone of sight: Means to make someone temporarily or permanently unable to see.
  • Example: "The bright light momentarily blinded her."
• To prevent someone from seeing or understanding something: Refers to blocking perception or comprehension.
  • Example: "His anger blinded him to the consequences."