obtuse
Slow to understand
Obtuse describes someone slow to understand or insensitive to subtlety: Don't be obtuse—you know exactly what I mean.
The word implies dullness rather than ignorance, a failure to grasp what should be obvious.
In geometry, an obtuse angle measures between 90 and 180 degrees—wider and blunter than a right angle.
Both senses connect to the Latin for blunt or dull.
Low in light
- denseClosely packed together
- thickHaving great depth
- dullLacking edge or interest
- stupidLacking intelligence or judgment
unintelligent · slow · witless · doltish · dimwitted · thickheaded · blockheaded · dunderheaded
Without compassion or emotion
- callousCruelly insensitive to others
- imperceptiveFailing to notice things
- unperceptiveLacking awareness or insight
- indifferentLacking interest or concern
uncaring · thick-skinned · tone-deaf · unaware · unseeing · blind · deaf · oblivious
Of great breadth
- broadWide in span
- bluntDull or tactlessly direct
- roundedHaving no sharp angles
- reflexInvoluntary stimulus response
oblique · arc · degree · protractor · vertex · geometry · trigonometry · measurement
Avoiding direct response
- unclearNot easily understood
- vagueUnclear, ill-defined
- ambiguousHaving multiple interpretations
- crypticObscure in meaning
obscure · roundabout · circuitous · equivocal · imprecise · noncommittal · elusive · murky
dim
Low in light
stupid · unintelligent · slow · witless · doltish · dimwitted · thickheaded · blockheaded · dunderheaded · wooden-headed
unfeeling
Without compassion or emotion
- callousCruelly insensitive to others
- imperceptiveFailing to notice things
- unperceptiveLacking awareness or insight
indifferent · uncaring · thick-skinned · tone-deaf · unaware · unseeing · blind · deaf · oblivious · inconsiderate
wide
Of great breadth
reflex · oblique · arc · degree · protractor · vertex · geometry · trigonometry · measurement · supplementary
evasive
Avoiding direct response
cryptic · obscure · roundabout · circuitous · equivocal · imprecise · noncommittal · elusive · murky · opaque
- geometryangles, circles, angle, shapes, lines
- anglesacute angle, angle, right angle, straight angle, reflex angle
- dimwitsdimwit, idiot, dolt, dunce, moron
- foolishfoolish, stupid, dumb, brainless, witless
- Smartsintelligent, genius, smart, gifted, brilliant
- angle termsacute, right, straight, reflex, complementary
obtuseperceptive
Quick to understand
sensitive · aware · attuned · astute · empathetic
- obtuse angleBetween 90 and 180 degrees
- obtuse triangleTriangle with angle over ninety