obtuse - Definition & Meaning | Lingo Dictionary

ob

tuse

slow or reluctant to understand things or respond emotionally to somethingslow or reluctant to understand things or respond emotionally to something

Synonyms

dull slow-witted soft-witted unintelligent dense retarded backward witless slow obtuse brainless stupid thick half-witted dumb dim-witted nitwitted dim

1 / 5

ob

tuse

Comparative

more obtuse

Superlative

most obtuse

1

slow or reluctant to understand things or respond emotionally to something

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:

dull slow-witted soft-witted unintelligent dense retarded backward witless slow brainless stupid thick half-witted dumb dim-witted nitwitted dim

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:

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: