obtuso (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Adjective

Phonetic Transcription

/obˈtuso/

Translation Options into English

• Obtuse (geometrically)
• Dull (mentally)
• Blunt (in reference to an edge or point)

Meaning and Usage

The term "obtuso" in Spanish primarily refers to two main contexts:

1. Geometry: It describes an angle greater than 90 degrees but less than 180 degrees.
2. Intellect/Understanding: It can also denote a person who is slow to understand or comprehend ideas, often referring to someone who is not sharp or is dull-witted.

In usage, "obtuso" is often seen in both spoken and written contexts, though its application might vary based on the field (mathematics vs. informal dialog).

Example Sentences

1. El ángulo obtuso mide más de noventa grados.
   (The obtuse angle measures more than ninety degrees.)

2. No seas obtuso, la solución es muy sencilla.
   (Don't be dull, the solution is very simple.)

Idiomatic Expressions

While "obtuso" does not have many common idiomatic expressions directly associated with it, it can be part of phrases that refer to a lack of understanding or perception. Here are a few expressions linked to different contexts:

1. Ver lo obtuso: Usado para describir a alguien que no puede captar la obviedad.

2. No puedo creer que no entendieras el chiste, es tan obvio; es como ver lo obtuso.
   (I can't believe you didn't get the joke, it's so obvious; it's like seeing the blunt.)

3. Ser obtuso en la conversación: Referido a alguien que no se expresa claramente o que es poco persuasivo.

4. Su estilo de hablar era tan obtuso que me costó seguirle el hilo.
   (His speaking style was so dull that I had a hard time following him.)

5. Mente obtusa: Describe a alguien con una mentalidad cerrada y difícil de cambiar.

6. Sus ideas son siempre las mismas; tiene una mente obtusa.
   (His ideas are always the same; he has a dull mind.)

Etymology

The word "obtuso" derives from the Latin "obtusus", which means "blunt" or "dull". The term emphasizes the quality of lacking sharpness, whether in physical form or in cognitive perception.

Synonyms and Antonyms

• Synonyms:
• Torpe (clumsy)

• Dócil (docile)

• Antonyms:

• Agudo (sharp)
• Perspicaz (perceptive)