'dully-expressed' originates from the English word 'dull,' which comes from Old English 'dol,' meaning 'stupid' or 'foolish,' combined with 'expressed,' from Latin 'expressus,' meaning 'to press out.'

'dull' changed from Old English 'dol' to Middle English 'dul,' and eventually became the modern English word 'dull.' 'Expressed' evolved from Latin 'expressus' to Middle English 'expressen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'express.'

Initially, 'dull' meant 'stupid' or 'foolish,' but over time it evolved to mean 'lacking interest or excitement.' 'Expressed' has largely retained its original meaning of 'to convey or communicate.'