WordLens

obtuse

1 of 1adjective
/ɑb.ˈtus/
Forms:more obtuse,most obtuse
1

slow or reluctant to understand things or respond emotionally to something

C2
  • Despite the clear explanation, he remained obtuse and failed to grasp the concept.
  • She found his obtuse reaction to her heartfelt apology frustrating and disheartening.
  • The teacher grew frustrated with the obtuse student who seemed unwilling to engage with the material.
  • His obtuse demeanor made it difficult for others to connect with him on an emotional level.
  • The boss's obtuse leadership style created tension and confusion among the team members.
Synonyms:
dullslow-wittedsoft-wittedunintelligentdenseretardedbackwardwitlessslowbrainlessstupidthickhalf-witteddumbdim-wittednitwitteddim
2

(of angle) greater than 90 degrees but less than 180 degrees

  • The angle formed by the hands of the clock at 2:30 is obtuse, measuring approximately 120 degrees.
  • In the triangle, angle A is acute, angle B is right, and angle C is obtuse, measuring 135 degrees.
  • The carpenter adjusted the saw to create an obtuse angle for cutting the wood at a specific angle.
  • In the geometry class, students learned how to identify and measure obtuse angles using a protractor.
  • The sailboat changed course, steering away from the rocks to avoid sailing into the obtuse angle formed by the cliffs.
Antonyms:
acute
3

(of a young pigeon) immature and still dependent on parental care

  • The mother pigeon fed her obtuse chicks in the nest.
  • The obtuse squabs were too small to leave the rooftop safely.
  • A few obtuse pigeons pecked at crumbs near the building.
  • The wildlife rehabilitator cared for several obtuse birds.
  • The obtuse young pigeons rested quietly under their mother's wings.
4

(of a leaf) having a rounded or blunt tip rather than a pointed apex

  • The botanist identified the plant by its obtuse leaves.
  • The tree's leaves were obtuse, giving them a soft, rounded appearance.
  • The garden featured shrubs with obtuse foliage.
  • The leaf's obtuse apex distinguished it from similar species.
  • She sketched the obtuse leaf shapes for her botany assignment.
5

not keenly aware of subtlety

  • She was obtuse to the irony in his statement.
  • The critic was obtuse to the nuances of the novel.
  • The negotiator was obtuse to the underlying tensions in the room.
  • Politicians often appear obtuse to the concerns of ordinary citizens.
  • His obtuse interpretation missed the author's intended meaning.
Synonyms:
purblind