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Obtuse
Not pointed or acute; blunt; also, slow to understand.
adjective💡
Imagine This
If the tip of a sword is shaped in an obtuse angle, it would be dull for jabbing compared to a 45-degree angle.
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Sounds Like
əb-TOOS
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Looks Like
A blunt or wide angle; visually larger than a right angle.
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Remember This
Obtuse angle is an angle bigger than 90 degrees.
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Other Forms
obtusenessnoun
obtuselyadverb
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Connect With
Blunt, dull, insensible; antonyms: acute, sharp, keen
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Note
Do not confuse with acute or abstruse. In geometry, obtuse describes an angle greater than 90 degrees; in everyday usage, it can describe dullness or slow understanding. When describing people, use careful, respectful language.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- An obtuse angle measures more than 90 degrees.
- Her obtuse comments during the meeting offended several colleagues.
Synonyms
bluntdulldenseslow-witted
Antonyms
acutesharpkeen
Etymology
From Latin obtusus 'blunt, dull', from obtusare 'to blunt'.
Mnemonic
Opposite of Acute
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Florid
adjectiveRichly ornamented or colored; elaborately decorative; also reddened in the face.
Ostentatious
adjectiveCharacterized by or given to pretentious, showy display designed to attract attention; flashy and conspicuous.
Abolish
verbTo formally end or repeal a system, practice, or institution; to officially put an end to something established.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abstruse
adjectiveDifficult to understand; obscure or highly complex.
Accidental
adjectiveHappening by chance or without deliberate planning; not intended. In music, it is also a noun for a symbol that temporarily alters a pitch.
Acerbic
adjectiveSharp or biting in tone or taste; caustic or mordant in manner.
Acquiescent
adjectiveReady to agree or approve without protest; compliant.
Adamant
adjectiveRigid in opinion or purpose; not willing to change one's mind or position.
Adept
adjectiveHaving or showing a high level of skill or proficiency; very capable.
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