obtuse
|ob-tuse|
C1
🇺🇸
/əbˈtuːs/
🇬🇧
/əbˈtjuːs/
dull or blunt
Etymology
Etymology Information
'obtuse' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'obtusus,' where 'ob-' meant 'against' and 'tundere' meant 'to beat.'
Historical Evolution
'obtusus' transformed into the Old French word 'obtus,' and eventually became the modern English word 'obtuse' through Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'blunt or dull,' but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'lacking sharpness' and 'an angle more than 90°.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
lacking sharpness or quickness of sensibility or intellect; insensitive or slow to understand.
He was too obtuse to take the hint.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:41