obtuse

[əbˈtjuːs]

obtuse Definition

  • 1annoyingly insensitive or slow to understand
  • 2having an angle greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees

Using obtuse: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "obtuse" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    I'm sorry, I was being obtuse. Could you explain it again?

  • Example

    His obtuse comments offended many people.

  • Example

    The triangle is obtuse because one angle measures 120 degrees.

obtuse Synonyms and Antonyms

Phrases with obtuse

  • an angle greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees

    Example

    The triangle has an obtuse angle measuring 120 degrees.

  • a triangle with one obtuse angle

    Example

    The triangle is classified as an obtuse triangle because it has one angle greater than 90 degrees.

  • a moment when someone is being annoyingly insensitive or slow to understand

    Example

    Sorry for my obtuse moment earlier. Can you explain it again?

Origins of obtuse

from Latin 'obtusus', meaning 'blunt'

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Summary: obtuse in Brief

The term 'obtuse' [əbˈtjuːs] describes someone who is annoyingly insensitive or slow to understand. It can also refer to an angle greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees, as in 'The triangle is obtuse because one angle measures 120 degrees.' The phrase 'obtuse moment' refers to a time when someone is being particularly dense or unresponsive.

How do native speakers use this expression?