Obtuse
/əbˈtjuːs/
Definitions
2 meaningsGreater than 90 degrees but less than 180 degrees.
/əbˈtjuːs/
Exceeding 90 degrees but less than 180 degrees
The obtuse angle of the wedge was too wide to fit in the gap.
💡 Simply: Imagine a door that's open wider than a right angle (90 degrees), but not all the way open like 180 degrees. That wide-open door is an obtuse angle.
👶 For kids: It's a big angle, bigger than a corner, but not a straight line.
More Examples
We needed to find the obtuse angle for the roof design.
How It's Used
"An obtuse angle is always greater than a right angle."
Lacking sharpness of intellect; not clear or precise in thought or expression.
/əbˈtjuːs/
Slow to understand; not sharp or perceptive
The politician's obtuse remarks further confused the issue.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone who doesn't 'get' a joke or takes a long time to understand something. Someone who is slow on the uptake.
👶 For kids: Someone who's a bit slow to understand things, like when you explain a game and they still don't get it.
More Examples
She was often considered obtuse, failing to grasp the simplest instructions.
His obtuse refusal to acknowledge the truth was frustrating.
How It's Used
"He was being deliberately obtuse about the problem."
"Her obtuse response revealed a lack of insight into the situation."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
From Latin *obtusus*, past participle of *obtundere* 'to beat against, blunt,' from *ob-* 'against' + *tundere* 'to beat'. Originally referred to a dull or blunted edge or angle.
The term 'obtuse' has been used in geometry and also figuratively to describe a lack of understanding since the 16th century.
Memory tip
Think of an angle that is 'ob'viously not a right angle, it's 'tuse'd out to a bigger angle.
Word Origin
"blunt, dull"