obtuse (B1)

adjective

Pronunciation: /əbˈtjuːs/

Definition

Slow to understand, or not intelligent.

Examples

• He's a bit obtuse when it comes to understanding social cues.

• I don't want to sound obtuse, but could you explain that again?

• The manager was obtuse about the team's concerns.

How to Use obtuse

obtuse about (prepositional phrase)

Slow to understand or unaware of something. — "She was completely obtuse about the danger she was in."

obtuse angle (collocation)

An angle greater than 90 degrees but less than 180 degrees. — "The carpenter marked out an obtuse angle on the wood."

Synonyms of obtuse

Words with a similar meaning to obtuse:

• slow
• dense
• dim-witted
• stupid

Antonyms of obtuse

Words with the opposite meaning to obtuse:

• sharp
• intelligent
• perceptive

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