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Blunt: meaning, definitions and examples

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blunt

 

[blʌnt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

description

Having a dull edge or point; not sharp. Showing a lack of sharpness or clearness; obtuse. Abrupt in speech or manner; brusque. Not having a sharp edge or point. Lacking in feeling; insensitive.

Synonyms

curt, dull, insensitive, obtuse.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
blunt

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.
dull

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.
obtuse

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.
curt

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.
insensitive

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.

Examples of usage

  • He cut the bread with a blunt knife.
  • She gave a blunt response to his question.
  • His blunt remarks offended many people.
  • The pencil was blunt and needed sharpening.
  • Her blunt attitude made it difficult for others to connect with her.
Context #2 | Verb

action

Make or become less sharp. Make or become dull or insensitive.

Synonyms

diminish, dull, weaken.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
blunt

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
dull

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
weaken

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
diminish

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

Examples of usage

  • She blunted the knife by using it to cut on a hard surface.
  • The constant criticism blunted his enthusiasm for the project.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Middle English 'blunt' meaning 'dull or obtuse,' and has roots in Old Norse 'blunda' meaning 'to close the eyes' or 'to herd.'
  • It's related to the word 'bluntness,' which describes the quality of being direct or lacking sharpness.
  • In the 14th century, it also took on meanings relating to honesty and straightforwardness in speech.

Psychology

  • Being blunt can sometimes lead to misunderstandings, as people may interpret directness as rudeness.
  • Psychological studies show that blunt communication can be linked to lower levels of social anxiety and higher levels of honesty.
  • However, being too blunt can hinder social relationships if not balanced with empathy.

Pop Culture

  • In the realm of film and TV, blunt characters often serve as comic relief or as the voice of reason due to their straightforward nature.
  • Famous blunt characters include the 'House' from the TV show 'House M.D.' and Sheldon Cooper from 'The Big Bang Theory,' who both deliver unfiltered thoughts that surprise others.
  • Blunt phrases or catchphrases often become humorous memes in social media, playing on the contrasts between bluntness and politeness.

Literature

  • Authors like Mark Twain often used blunt language to satirize characters or social norms, emphasizing honesty over social niceties.
  • Blunt expressions are frequently found in poetry and prose to evoke strong feelings, often enhancing the emotional impact of a work.
  • In some literary works, characters who are blunt are portrayed as authentic and relatable, revealing deeper truths about human nature.

Art

  • Artists use blunt forms and lines in abstract art to convey messages without pretense, focusing on raw and honest expression.
  • In modern art, blunt imagery often challenges traditional aesthetics, inviting viewers to confront uncomfortable truths.
  • Blunt visual styles can be seen in graffiti art, where straightforward messages are painted boldly to make immediate impacts.

Translations

Translations of the word "blunt" in other languages:

🇵🇹 contundente

🇮🇳 कुंद

🇩🇪 stumpf

🇮🇩 tumpul

🇺🇦 тупий

🇵🇱 tępy

🇯🇵 鈍い

🇫🇷 émoussé

🇪🇸 desafilado

🇹🇷 kör

🇰🇷 무딘

🇸🇦 كليل

🇨🇿 tupý

🇸🇰 tupý

🇨🇳 钝的

🇸🇮 top

🇮🇸 bitlaus

🇰🇿 өтпес

🇬🇪 მკვეთრი

🇦🇿 küt

🇲🇽 desafilado

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,387 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.