'obtuse' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'obtusus,' where 'ob-' meant 'against' and 'tundere' meant 'to beat.'

'obtusus' transformed into the Old French word 'obtus,' and eventually became the modern English word 'obtuse' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'blunt or not sharp,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'slow to understand or perceive.'