blunt
Other forms: blunted; blunts; blunting; blunter; bluntest
A blunt object is rounded — it isn't very pointy. A blunt comment is candid — it isn't very subtle. When we blunt things we make them less lively, sharp, or intense.
Blunt and blunder ("make a stupid mistake") may have the same origins — the Old Norse blundra, meaning "to shut one's eyes." So don't be blunt ("dull" or "obtuse") — here are a few things you probably don't want to do: 1) use a blunt ("dull") knife to cut your tomatoes; 2) make a blunt ("outspoken") comment that might hurt someone's feelings; or 3) blunt ("deaden") the sound of your favorite music by sticking cotton balls in your ears.
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used of a knife or other blade; not sharp“a blunt instrument”synonyms:dullnot having a sharp edge or point
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having a broad or rounded end
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characterized by directness in manner or speech; without subtlety or evasion“blunt talking and straight shooting”“a blunt New England farmer”synonyms: candid, forthright, frank, free-spoken, outspoken, plainspoken, point-blank, straight-from-the-shoulderdirectstraightforward in means or manner or behavior or language or action
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devoid of any qualifications or disguise or adornment
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make less sharp
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make dull or blunt
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make less lively, intense, or vigorous; impair in vigor, force, activity, or sensation
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make less intense
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make numb or insensitive
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Vocabulary lists containing blunt
On the ACT Reading Test, you'll encounter questions that ask you to determine the meanings of common words in context. We've identified 200 high-frequency, multiple-meaning words of the sort that you'll see on the exam. As you practice this list, you'll have to rely on context clues in order to determine each word’s meaning in a particular sentence. Be careful! Several of a word's meanings might show up as answer choices — but only one answer will capture the meaning of the word in the context of the sentence.
Learn these essential words that you'll encounter in literature, textbooks, class discussions, and more.
Context is king — that’s the lesson you need to internalize as you begin preparing for the vocabulary questions on the SAT. We have identified this pool of 200 words that cut across the disciplines and lend themselves well to context-dependent interpretation. As you learn this list on Vocabulary.com, you will have to rely on context clues in order to determine each word’s meaning in particular sentences. This is the same type of thinking you will need to develop in order to succeed on the SAT! Following our Roadmap to the SAT? Head back to see what else you should be learning this week.