What is stone deaf? How to use in English

Definition & pronunciation of stone deaf

stone deafadjective

đá điếc

/ˌstəʊn ˈdef//ˌstəʊn ˈdef/

Where does the word stone deaf come from?

The term "stone deaf" is an old-fashioned term that was used to describe the state of profound deafness, where a person can't hear any sounds at all. The origin of this phrase can be traced back to the 16th century English language, where it was believed that people who were deaf were insensitive to sounds, just as a statue made of stone is insensitive and motionless. The phrase "stone deaf" became a popular way of describing complete deafness, as it provided a tangible, understandable image of what it meant to not be able to hear anything at all. While the phrase is no longer common in everyday language, it still serves as an interesting historical artifact that helps us understand the ways in which deafness has been perceived throughout history.

Example of vocabulary stone deafnamespace

  • John has been stone deaf since his childhood, as a result, he uses sign language to communicate.
  • Despite being stone deaf, Sarah can still feel the vibrations of loud music through the ground.
  • The hearing aids the doctor prescribed did not help David, as he is completely stone deaf.
  • The concert hall was hushed as the anthem began, but the stone deaf man sitting in the front row could not hear a thing.
  • The stone deaf woman winced as her friends pronounced their names loudly, wishing they could understand her once again.

Synonyms and related words for stone deaf


Comment ()