obtusely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obtusely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone acting in a blunt, insensitive, or slow-witted manner, often in a context where clarity or understanding is lacking. Example: "He spoke obtusely, failing to grasp the nuances of the conversation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

More wasted years followed when Israelis and Palestinians obtusely failed, after 2005, to broaden Ariel Sharon's unilateral withdrawal from Gaza into a comprehensive peace.With the border question sorted out early, the sting would be drawn from the settlement issue.

The Economist

Obtusely, he said the resolution should also call from "effective action to end the threat from Isil".

Independent

Moynihan was still smarting from the response, four years earlier, to "The Negro Family: The Case for National Action" — the so-called Moynihan Report, which he had written for Johnson, and which prominent liberals, black and white, had obtusely attacked as an exercise in blaming the victim.

The New Yorker

"Those who have suggested that everything is good have spoken obtusely," Pangloss explains, in Raffel's rendering.

The New Yorker

In the memo, Obama was counselled to attack Clinton subtly but not "so subtly or obtusely that the press doesn't write about them and the voters don't understand that we're talking about HRC".

The New Yorker

In her quest for answers, Sarah behaves obtusely — for example, while trying to avoid making another character suspicious, she pesters him with blatantly suspicion-arousing questions — but doesn't seem to face any consequences.

The New York Times - Books

In order to draw from the image the conclusion he wants to reach, Leon must read it in an obtusely literal way as claiming that every time a cadaver lies on an autopsy table it has been brought there by smoking.

The New York Times

I know I did, and when I rode through the Upper West Side and the Lower East Side, Williamsburg and Boerum Hill, I felt something I hadn't before, a kind of full permission and robust encouragement, even if motorists continued to behave obtusely.

The New York Times

Oddly, and a little obtusely, there is not much about the can-can in this movie: a shame, as a movie with a more intelligent interest in the myth and history of the place might have had some fun with the can-can's erotics of concealment and disclosure.

The Guardian - Film

Just as with Timothy Spall's non-appearance for Mr Turner last year, it seems Bafta has obtusely found a way to overlook world-class British acting talent — although Maggie Smith has rightly been noticed for her imperious performance in The Lady in the Van.

The Guardian - Film

"Feel your freedom!" she yells over the battle folk of Beneath the Southern Cross or, more obtusely, she entreats us to raise our hands and "shake out the ghost!", a tactic that might have shaved a merciful half hour off The Conjuring 2. Massive Attack's message, meanwhile, is branded on to our retinas.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "obtusely" to describe actions or statements that demonstrate a lack of understanding or sensitivity. It's particularly effective when highlighting a deliberate or frustrating lack of comprehension.

Common error

Avoid using "obtusely" when you mean "obscurely". "Obtusely" refers to a lack of intelligence or understanding, while "obscurely" refers to something that is vague or difficult to perceive. For example, don't say "He spoke obtusely" when you mean "He spoke "obscurely"".

Linguistic Context

The adverb "obtusely" primarily functions to modify verbs, adverbs, or adjectives, indicating the manner in which an action is performed or a quality is exhibited. It suggests a lack of intelligence, sensitivity, or awareness in the way something is done, as seen in examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obtusely" functions as an adverb used to describe actions or statements made in a dull, insensitive, or unintelligent manner. Ludwig confirms that the term is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly within News & Media contexts. While alternatives like "stupidly" or "bluntly" exist, "obtusely" provides a nuanced way to critique a lack of understanding or sensitivity. Remember to use "obtusely" when you really mean a lack of intelligence, not vagueness and confusion as can be found in "obscurely".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stupidly

Directly implies a lack of intelligence or understanding.

unintelligently

A more formal way of saying "stupidly", emphasizing a lack of intelligence.

dimly

Focuses more on a lack of intellectual clarity or understanding.

without comprehension

Emphasizes a complete lack of understanding.

densely

Emphasizes a difficulty in penetration or understanding, similar to thick fog.

in a thick-headed way

Implies stubborn refusal to understand.

insensitively

Highlights a lack of awareness or consideration for the feelings of others.

with a lack of perception

Highlights a failure to notice or understand what is happening.

bluntly

Focuses on a direct, often tactless, manner of speaking or acting.

in a dull manner

Describes a lack of sharpness or quickness in understanding or action.

FAQs

How is "obtusely" typically used in a sentence?

"Obtusely" is used to describe actions or statements made in a dull, insensitive, or unintelligent manner. For example, "He acted "obtusely", failing to grasp the simple instructions."

What words can I use as alternatives to "obtusely"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "stupidly", "densely", "bluntly", or "dimly". Each carries slightly different connotations related to a lack of understanding or sensitivity.

What is the difference between "obtusely" and "obscurely"?

"Obtusely" describes a lack of intelligence or sensitivity in understanding, whereas "obscurely" refers to something that is vague or not easily understood. "He answered "obtusely"" suggests a lack of comprehension, while "He spoke "obscurely"" indicates his words were unclear.

Is it appropriate to use "obtusely" in formal writing?

Yes, "obtusely" can be used in formal writing. While it carries a negative connotation, it's suitable for conveying a lack of understanding or intelligence in a clear and professional manner, as evidenced by its presence in reputable publications like The New York Times and The Guardian.