Obtuse: meaning, definitions and examples

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obtuse

[ əbˈt(j)uːs ]

^{Context #1}

geometry

Not sharp-angled; blunt. Having an angle greater than 90 degrees. Lacking in quickness of perception or intellect.

Synonyms

blunt, dull, slow-witted

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.

^{Context #2}

general

Not sharp, pointed, or acute in form; blunt.

Synonyms

blunt, blunted, rounded

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

Translations of the word "obtuse" in other languages:

🇵🇹 obtuso

🇮🇳 मंदबुद्धि

🇩🇪 stumpf

🇮🇩 tumpul

🇺🇦 тупий

🇵🇱 tępy

🇯🇵 鈍い

🇫🇷 obtus

🇪🇸 obtuso

🇹🇷 küt

🇰🇷 무딘

🇸🇦 مستدق الزاوية

🇨🇿 tupý

🇸🇰 tupý

🇨🇳 钝的

🇸🇮 top

🇮🇸 bitlaus

🇰🇿 доғал

🇬🇪 მუნჯი

🇦🇿 küt

🇲🇽 obtuso

Word origin

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.