obtuse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obtuse" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is slow to understand or perceive something, or it can refer to an angle greater than 90 degrees in geometry. Example: "His obtuse remarks during the meeting made it clear that he didn't grasp the main point of the discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This prize is, for me, fantastically obtuse, exasperating and dumb.

The Guardian - Film

We were moved to tears by Once by Morris Gleitzman David, on email This choice or recommendation may seem a little obscure, or obtuse, but I'd offer The Book of Merlyn by T H White. Though not published until 1977, it was written in 1941 and deals, not directly but through analogy, with the causes of the war and its consequences in the militarisation of human life.

The Guardian

I like to think of these commenters as sweetly naive rather than deliberately obtuse.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In saying that, I wouldn't want to suggest that Saint-Exupéry Saint-Exupéryconfusisg.

The Guardian - Books

This omission testifies to something immature, obtuse and testosteroney in the Oscar taste.

The Guardian

To insist that extremely violent American entertainments had nothing to do with this is willfully obtuse.

The Economist

Opaque, obscure and obtuse, there are times when it has merited some well-aimed shots.

The Economist

The brightest stars burn quickestThe rules governing which players can play for which teams are also becoming more obtuse.

The Economist

That is a simple, obtuse, gargantuan technical screw-up that may teach us lessons about over-reliance on IT, and may even turn us away from massive government programmes in general, but doesn't say much about status-quo bias specifically.

The Economist

Helped by Mr Maliki's obtuse policies, it had bounced back even before its recent windfall in Mosul.

The Economist

In Spain's three mainly Basque provinces, a tenth of the voters plumped for the pro-ETA party in the latest regional election, in May.But another big reason for the impasse is that Mr Aznar has himself been obtuse, by unwisely alienating the majority of Basques who do not back ETA.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "obtuse" to describe someone's intellect, ensure the context makes it clear you are not referring to a geometric angle. Consider using synonyms like "dense" or "dim-witted" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "obtuse" in technical contexts (like mathematics) when you intend to convey intellectual dullness. This can lead to confusion; use more precise language.

Linguistic Context

The word "obtuse" primarily functions as an adjective. It is used to describe something that is blunt, not sharp, or someone who is slow to understand. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable and correct in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Encyclopedias

23%

Science

16%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obtuse" functions primarily as an adjective meaning either 'blunt' or 'slow to understand'. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is considered correct and usable in English. With a 'Very Common' frequency rating, this term appears across varied sources. When describing a person, "obtuse" implies a negative judgment of their intellectual capacity; its geometric meaning is more neutral. While the register is generally neutral, context is key. When in doubt, alternatives like "dull-witted" or "slow on the uptake" may enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dull-witted

Refers specifically to a lack of intelligence or quick understanding.

slow on the uptake

Implies a delay in understanding something.

dim-witted

Similar to dull-witted, suggesting a lack of intelligence.

dense

Indicates difficulty in understanding complex matters.

thick-headed

Suggests stubborn refusal or inability to understand.

imperceptive

Describes a lack of awareness or insight.

uncomprehending

Signifies a failure to grasp or understand.

obtuse-angled

Specifically refers to angles greater than 90 degrees but less than 180 degrees.

muffled

When referring to sound, it suggests a deadened or indistinct quality.

purblind

Lacking in vision, either literally or figuratively in terms of understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "obtuse" in a sentence?

You can use "obtuse" to describe something blunt or someone slow to understand. For example, "The angle was obtuse" or "He was being deliberately obtuse".

What's the difference between "obtuse" and "dense"?

"Obtuse" and "dense" are similar, but "obtuse" can also refer to angles, while "dense" primarily describes a lack of understanding or intelligence.

What are some synonyms for "obtuse" when referring to someone's intelligence?

Alternatives include "dull-witted", "slow on the uptake", or "dim-witted", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to describe someone as "obtuse"?

Yes, using "obtuse" to describe a person's intellect is generally negative, implying a lack of understanding or intelligence. It can also suggest stubbornness in understanding.