Blunt: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when describing someone who speaks in a direct and straightforward manner, sometimes to the point of rudeness. It can be negative if the bluntness is hurtful.

• He was very blunt about her mistakes.
• She gave me a blunt answer, without any sugar-coating.

Used to describe something that lacks sharpness, excitement, or interest. It can be used for inanimate objects or to describe a lack of vividness.

• The knife is too dull to cut the bread.
• The lecture was quite dull and put some people to sleep.

Used to describe someone who is slow to understand or perceive something. It carries a negative connotation of being unintelligent or slow-witted.

• He seemed oddly obtuse about the joke.
• Her obtuse remarks made it clear she didn't grasp the situation.

Used when referring to someone who speaks in a brief and abrupt manner, often perceived as rude.

• His reply was curt and left me feeling snubbed.
• She gave me a curt nod and walked away.

Used to describe someone who is not aware of or does not consider other people's feelings, often resulting in hurtful actions or words. It carries a negative connotation.

• His insensitive comments made her cry.
• Being insensitive to someone's struggles can damage a friendship.

This word is typically used to describe an object lacking sharpness or a manner of speaking that is very direct and perhaps rude.

• The knife is too blunt to cut the vegetables
• She was blunt in her criticism

This word is generally used to describe something that lacks sharpness, brightness, or excitement. It can also describe a lack of interest.

• The pencil became dull after writing for so long
• The lecture was so dull that many students fell asleep

Use this word when referring to making something less strong or powerful. It can be used in both physical and figurative senses.

• His illness has weakened him considerably
• The scandal has weakened her position in the company

Use this word when you want to talk about reducing the size, importance, or intensity of something. It can also refer to the reduction of respect or reputation.

• The medication helped to diminish the pain
• His achievements were diminished by his lack of integrity