0
Apathygrrl Posted 19 years ago
Grammar

help with the word Numb

I am currently confused by the word "Numb." To demonstrate my confusion please read the following two sentences:

"His left hand was more numb than his right hand."

"His left hand was number than his right hand."

Which sentence is correct? Normally I would be inclined to choose the second sentence but I am thrown off by the word "number" as it makes me think of "a number" (i.e. 23). This is where I am confused.
  

Top answer

Context should make it clear that it is the sensation and not a numeral, and in speech "number" [sensation] sounds like "nummer", rather than "num-ber". If you are uncomfortable with it, then go for "more numb", or "has less feeling".

— Feebs11

  • Context should make it clear that it is the sensation and not a numeral, and in speech "number" [sensation] sounds like "nummer", rather than "num-ber".
  • If you are uncomfortable with it, then go for "more numb", or "has less feeling".
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

3 Answers
0
Context should make it clear that it is the sensation and not a numeral, and in speech "number" [sensation] sounds like "nummer", rather than "num-ber".

If you are uncomfortable with it, then go for "more numb", or "has less feeling".
0
0
Ah, thank you Feebs.

I wasn't entirely comfortable using "number" even in that context... it just looks far too strange. I'm not entirely sure that it's even a word. I mean I know number IS a word but that particular definition... I hope you know what I'm talking about because I think I'm confused again. :-)
0
0
My dictionary lists numb, number, numbest. It's a word. Emotion: smile
Personally, I'd say more numb.

CJ
0

Related Questions