Obtuse is a multi-purpose adjective:
![](http://www.zinfinity.com.my/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/WOTW-43-obtuse-300x300.jpg)
Let’s talk about the first definition. Obtuse is used to describe someone who is slow to learn or understand or lacking in discernment. You can see that it’s not a compliment.
Example sentences:
- I wonder if my friend was deliberately being obtuse when I spoke to her about her behaviour at the restaurant.
- The students are not obtuse; they just don’t want to start on their assignment.
- I guess I may be obtuse because I cannot understand the lessons on basic statistics.
Now, you would understand why obtuse also means a shape that is blunt i.e. not sharp — like these basil leaves
Obtuse is also used to describe an angle that is between 90 and 180 degrees, like this:
![](http://www.zinfinity.com.my/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Obtuse-angle-300x194.jpg)
There you have it! What a versatile adjective!
#wotw #wordoftheweek #englishvocabulary