Obtuse (Adjective)
Meaning 1
(of a leaf shape) rounded at the apex.
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The obtuse leaf shape of the oak tree is easily recognizable.
- The rounded apex of the maple leaf is a classic example of an obtuse shape.
- The obtuse leaves of the beech tree are a distinguishing feature of the species.
- The leaf shape of the sycamore tree is typically obtuse, with a rounded tip.
- The obtuse shape of the elm leaf is often used to identify the tree in the field.
Related Words
Meaning 2
Slow to learn or understand; lacking intellectual acuity; "so dense he never understands anything I say to him"; "never met anyone quite so dim"; "although dull at classical learning, at mathematics he was uncommonly quick"- Thackeray; "dumb officials make some really dumb decisions"; "he was either normally stupid or being deliberately obtuse"; "worked with the slow students".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- He was so obtuse that he couldn't even understand the simplest instructions.
- Her obtuse nature made it difficult for her to grasp complex concepts in school.
- The politician's obtuse response to the crisis only made things worse.
- Despite his obtuse demeanor, he had a hidden talent for solving puzzles.
- The teacher found it challenging to work with the obtuse student who struggled to comprehend even the most basic ideas.
Synonyms
Related Words
Meaning 3
Lacking in insight or discernment; "too obtuse to grasp the implications of his behavior"; "a purblind oligarchy that flatly refused to see that history was condemning it to the dustbin"- Jasper Griffin.
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- He was too obtuse to realize that his constant lateness was causing his coworkers a great deal of inconvenience.
- Her obtuse response to the tragedy left many of her friends and family feeling frustrated and confused.
- The obtuse politician refused to acknowledge the role his party played in the economic downturn, instead blaming it on external factors.
- The novel's protagonist was often criticized for being obtuse, consistently misinterpreting the motivations and actions of those around her.
- Despite being confronted with overwhelming evidence, the obtuse executive continued to deny any wrongdoing on the part of the company.
Synonyms
Related Words
Meaning 4
Of an angle; between 90 and 180 degrees.
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The angle in the room's design was obtuse, which made it difficult to place the furniture in a way that felt natural.
- The mathematician spent hours working with the obtuse triangle, trying to solve the complex geometry problem.
- The roof's slope was too obtuse, causing the water to pool instead of draining off.
- In geometry class, we learned to distinguish between acute, right, and obtuse angles, and how to work with each.
- The artist intentionally used obtuse angles in her sculpture to create a sense of tension and instability.