What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
obtuse
Example
The angle of the triangle was obtuse. [obtuse: adjective]
Example
He was being obtuse and didn't understand what I was trying to say. [obtuse: adjective]
Example
Her obtuse response to the situation made things worse. [obtuse: adjective]
dull
Example
The knife was dull and couldn't cut through the meat. [dull: adjective]
Example
The lecture was so dull that I fell asleep. [dull: adjective]
Example
The party was dull and lacked any fun activities. [dull: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dull is more commonly used than obtuse in everyday language. Dull is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while obtuse is less common and typically used in more technical or academic settings.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between obtuse and dull?
Obtuse is more formal than dull, as it is often used in technical or academic contexts. Dull is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
