What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
obtundity
Example
The patient's obtundity made it difficult for them to respond to external stimuli. [obtundity: noun]
Example
The medication caused a temporary obtundity in the patient's sense of taste. [obtundity: noun]
dullness
Example
The blade had lost its sharpness and was now dull. [dull: adjective]
Example
The lecture was so dull that most of the audience fell asleep. [dull: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dullness is more commonly used than obtundity in everyday language. Dullness is a common word that can be used in various contexts, while obtundity is more technical and specialized.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between obtundity and dullness?
Obtundity is a more formal word than dullness. It is typically used in medical or technical contexts and may not be familiar to many people outside those fields. Dullness, on the other hand, is a more common and familiar word that can be used in both formal and informal contexts.