Adjective; Verb; Noun
/b l ʌ n t/
The word "blunt" primarily means something that is not sharp or pointed. When used as an adjective, it can also describe a straightforward, honest, or direct manner of speaking, often to the point of being rude or insensitive. "Blunt" as a verb means to make something less sharp or to decrease the intensity of something. As a noun, it can refer to a tobacco cigar that has been hollowed out and filled with cannabis.
Frequency of Use: The word "blunt" is moderately common in both spoken and written English, frequently appearing in informal contexts, especially in conversation.
His blunt remarks about her cooking hurt her feelings.
Sus comentarios directos sobre su cocina le lastimaron los sentimientos.
The knife was blunt and couldn't cut through the meat.
El cuchillo estaba desafilado y no podía cortar la carne.
She prefers to be blunt rather than sugarcoat the truth.
Ella prefiere ser directa en lugar de endulzar la verdad.
"Blunt" is often used in idiomatic expressions, particularly in contexts where directness or a lack of subtlety is remarked upon:
Blunt instrument: Refers to a method that is not subtle and often results in unintended consequences.
Using a blunt instrument to solve complex problems often creates more chaos than resolution.
(Usar un instrumento poco sutil para resolver problemas complejos a menudo crea más caos que resolución.)
Blunt truth: The straightforward and unapologetic reality of a situation.
Sometimes, hearing the blunt truth can be painful, but it's necessary for growth.
(A veces, escuchar la verdad directa puede ser doloroso, pero es necesario para crecer.)
Blunt force trauma: A type of injury resulting from a blow that does not penetrate the body.
The victim suffered from blunt force trauma to the head.
(La víctima sufrió un trauma contuso en la cabeza.)
The word "blunt" originates from the Middle English term "blont," likely derived from the Old French "blond," meaning "dull." The transformation in meaning to its current usage likely reflects a figurative sense of dullness in terms of both sharpness and communication.
Synonyms: - Dull (adjective) - Direct (adjective, in terms of communication) - Frank (adjective) - Candid (adjective, in terms of honesty) - Insensitive (adjective, regarding manner)
Antonyms: - Sharp (adjective) - Tactful (adjective) - Subtle (adjective) - Polite (adjective) - Diplomatic (adjective)