Obtuse Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฒ
obtuse
[ษbหt(j)uหs ]
Definitions
geometry
Not sharp-angled; blunt. Having an angle greater than 90 degrees. Lacking in quickness of perception or intellect.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
obtuse |
Used to describe someone who is slow to understand or not sharp in perception. Often considered slightly formal and can be used in both everyday and professional contexts.
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blunt |
Typically used when talking about an object that is not sharp. It can also refer to a person who speaks in a very direct or insensitive way, often perceived as rude.
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dull |
Used to describe an object that is not sharp or something that is not interesting or lively. It can also refer to a person who lacks sharpness in intelligence.
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slow-witted |
Refers to a person who is slow in understanding or thinking. It typically has a negative connotation and is often used in informal settings.
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Examples of usage
- An obtuse angle measures more than 90 degrees.
- The obtuse student struggled to understand the complex concept.
- She was criticized for her obtuse remarks during the meeting.
general
Not sharp, pointed, or acute in form; blunt.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
obtuse |
Used to describe someone who is slow to understand or perceive things. It implies a lack of sharpness or quickness in thought or perception.
|
blunt |
Often used to describe an instrument or object that is not sharp. It can also describe a way of speaking that is very direct and sometimes rude.
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rounded |
Generally used to describe something that has a curved, smooth shape without sharp edges or angles. Can also refer to a well-balanced or holistic quality.
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blunted |
Typically describes something that has been made less sharp or has lost its edge due to wear or damage. It can also describe a decrease in intensity or sensitivity.
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Examples of usage
- The obtuse edge of the knife made it difficult to cut through the tough meat.
- His obtuse reasoning led him to the wrong conclusions.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Mathematics
- In geometry, an obtuse angle is one that is greater than 90 degrees but less than 180 degrees.
- These angles are crucial in various mathematical calculations and theorems.
- Many shapes, like obtuse triangles, depend on the existence of obtuse angles.
Psychology
- The term is occasionally used informally to describe someone who has difficulty understanding things, implying a lack of awareness.
- In educational contexts, obtuseness may refer to students struggling to grasp complex concepts.
- Cognitive approaches suggest that some individuals process information differently, which might explain this perception of obtuseness.
Pop Culture
- In literature and films, characters described as obtuse often play the role of comic relief, misunderstanding situations comically.
- The word is used in various song lyrics to discuss emotional dullness or lack of awareness.
- It has appeared in famous quotes, often to highlight the contradictions between perception and reality.
Linguistics
- In language learning, obtuse can describe expressions that are not straightforward, making communication challenging.
- Words that can be seen as obtuse often require context to convey their full meaning.
- The wordโs usage can vary significantly between cultures and languages, influencing the way it is understood.
Origin of 'obtuse'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'obtusus', meaning 'blunt' or 'dull'.
- It evolved into French as 'obtus', maintaining the meaning of not being sharp.
- First recorded use in English dates back to the late 14th century.
The word 'obtuse' comes from the Latin word 'obtusus', which means 'blunted, dull'. It first appeared in English in the late 15th century. Originally used in geometry to describe an angle greater than 90 degrees, the term later extended to describe a lack of sharpness in various contexts, including intellect or perception.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #12,525, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.
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