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Dictionary definition of blunt

Lacking sharpness, precision, or subtlety.
"His blunt honesty sometimes came across as rude or insensitive."

Detailed meaning of blunt

It suggests a lack of sharpness or pointedness, both in a literal and metaphorical sense. When used to describe an object, "blunt" implies that its edges or points have been intentionally or naturally dulled or rounded, reducing its ability to penetrate or cut with precision. Metaphorically, "blunt" can refer to communication or speech that is straightforward, direct, and lacking in tact or diplomacy. It conveys a lack of finesse or subtlety, often involving frank or straightforward statements that may seem brusque or lacking in nuance. The adjective "blunt" carries connotations of straightforwardness, simplicity, and an absence of sharpness or delicacy.

Example sentences of blunt

1. He used a blunt knife to cut the vegetables, making the task more difficult.
2. Her blunt remarks left him feeling hurt and offended.
3. The old pencil had a blunt tip, making it hard to write with.
4. The surgeon preferred using a sharp scalpel over a blunt one for precise incisions.
5. The hammer's blunt end was ideal for pounding nails into the wood.
6. She made a blunt statement that left no room for interpretation.

History and etymology of blunt

The adjective 'blunt' has an etymology that can be traced back to its origins in Middle English and Old English. In Old English, the word 'blunt' was spelled as 'blond' or 'blund,' and it meant 'dull or not sharp.' This Old English term is related to the Old Norse word 'blundr,' which also meant 'blunt' or 'dull.' The root of these words can be connected to the Proto-Germanic word 'blundaz.' Over time, 'blunt' evolved in Middle English to describe objects or tools that lacked a sharp edge. However, it also began to take on a metaphorical sense, referring to people or speech that lacked sharpness, precision, or subtlety, which is the modern usage of the term we are familiar with today. The etymology of 'blunt' thus reflects its historical association with the concept of dullness and a lack of sharpness, whether in physical objects or in communication.

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Further usage examples of blunt

1. The detective asked the witness for a blunt description of the suspect's appearance.
2. The dull and blunt scissors struggled to cut through the thick fabric.
3. He delivered a blunt refusal, leaving no room for negotiation.
4. The chef sharpened the blunt kitchen knife to make it more efficient for slicing.
5. The teacher's blunt critique helped the student understand their mistakes and improve.
6. Her blunt criticism left him feeling dejected.
7. The knife's blade had become dull and blunt.
8. He was known for his blunt and straightforward manner.
9. The teacher's blunt feedback was difficult to digest.
10. The blunt pencil made it hard to write neatly.
11. Her blunt remark caught everyone by surprise.
12. The politician's speech was filled with blunt statements.
13. The old scissors had become quite blunt over the years.
14. He gave a blunt response to the interviewer's question.
15. The blunt force of the impact caused significant damage.
16. Her blunt honesty sometimes offended people.
17. The chef sharpened the knife to avoid using a blunt one.
18. The blunt instrument proved ineffective for the task.
19. His blunt refusal to cooperate led to further complications.
20. The blunt edges of the puzzle pieces didn't fit together.
21. She used a blunt tone to convey her frustration.
22. The doctor's diagnosis was delivered in a blunt manner.
23. He tried to be more diplomatic, but his words still came out blunt.
24. The blunt instrument left a mark on the surface.
25. The blunt end of the stick wouldn't pierce the package.