blunt´ness

blunt´ness
blunt «bluhnt», adjective, verb.
–adj.
1. without a sharp edge or point: »

He sharpened the blunt knife.

SYNONYM(S): See syn. under dull. (Cf.dull)
2. Figurative. saying what one thinks very frankly, without trying to be tactful; outspoken; frank: »

He thinks that blunt speech proves he is honest.

3. Figurative. slow in perceiving or understanding: »

blunt feelings, blunt faculties.

SYNONYM(S): insensitive, obtuse.
–v.t.
to make less sharp; make less keen: »

He blunted his knife on the stone. Figurative. Grief has blunted his senses.

–v.i.
to become blunt. SYNONYM(S): dull.
[Middle English blunt dull of sight; origin uncertain]
blunt´ly, adverb.
blunt´ness, noun.
Synonym Study adjective. 2 Blunt, bluff, curt mean abrupt in speaking or manner. Blunt often emphasizes speaking plainly and frankly in open disregard of the feelings of others and simple good manners: »

The chairman's blunt and tactless reply caused resentment.

Bluff suggests a frank and rough manner of speaking and acting combined with heartiness and genuineness: »

Everyone likes the bluff policeman on the beat.

Curt means rudely abrupt and brief: »

A curt nod was the only notice he gave that he knew she was there.


Useful english dictionary. 2012.

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  • blunt´ly — blunt «bluhnt», adjective, verb. –adj. 1. without a sharp edge or point: »He sharpened the blunt knife. SYNONYM(S): See syn. under dull. (Cf. ↑dull) 2. Figurative. saying what one thinks very frankly, without trying to be tactful; outspoken; …   Useful english dictionary

  • blunt — blunt; blunt·head; blunt·ie; blunt·ly; blunt·ness; …   English syllables

  • blunt — [[t]blʌnt[/t]] adj. blunt•er, blunt•est, v. 1) having an obtuse, thick, or dull edge or point: a blunt pencil[/ex] 2) abrupt and direct in address or manner; frank 3) slow in perception or understanding; obtuse 4) to make blunt; dull 5) to weaken …   From formal English to slang

  • blunt — blunt1 [ blʌnt ] adjective 1. ) not pointed or sharp: a blunt pencil/razor 2. ) saying what is true or what you think, even if this offends or upsets people: It was a frank answer to a blunt question. let s be blunt (=used before saying that… …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • dul´ness — dull «duhl», adjective, verb. –adj. 1. not sharp or pointed; blunt: »It is hard to cut with a dull knife. 2. not bright or clear; lacking in vividness, brightness, or intensity: »a dull sound, a dull green, a dull day of rain. SYNONYM(S): obscure …   Useful english dictionary

  • dull´ness — dull «duhl», adjective, verb. –adj. 1. not sharp or pointed; blunt: »It is hard to cut with a dull knife. 2. not bright or clear; lacking in vividness, brightness, or intensity: »a dull sound, a dull green, a dull day of rain. SYNONYM(S): obscure …   Useful english dictionary

  • curt´ness — curt «kurt», adjective. 1. short; short and rude; abrupt: »a curt remark. His curt way of speaking makes him seem rude.o> A curt nod was the only notice he gave that he knew she was there. SYNONYM(S): brusque. See syn. under blunt. (Cf.… …   Useful english dictionary

  • ob|tuse´ness — ob|tuse «uhb TOOS, TYOOS», adjective. 1. not sharp or acute; blunt. 2. having an angle of more than 90 degrees but less than 180 degrees: »an obtuse triangle. 3. Figurative. slow in understanding; stupid: »He was too obtuse to take the hint. 4.… …   Useful english dictionary

  • a|brupt´ness — a|brupt «uh BRUHPT», adjective. 1. showing sudden change; unexpected: »He made an abrupt turn to avoid hitting another car. SYNONYM(S): hasty. 2. very steep: »The road made an abrupt rise up the hill. SYNONYM(S): precipitous. See syn. under ste …   Useful english dictionary

  • brusque´ness — brusque «bruhsk», adjective. abrupt in manner or speech; blunt: »He was brusque in saying “I don t like it” when he could have said “No, thank you.” SYNONYM(S): curt, bluff. ╂[< French brusque < Italian brusco coarse < Late Latin brūscus …   Useful english dictionary

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