Definition of 'blunt'
Word forms: comparative blunter
, superlative bluntest
, 3rd person singular present
tense blunts
, present participle blunting
, past tense, past participle blunted
1. adjective
She is blunt about her personal life.
She told the industry in blunt terms that such discrimination is totally unacceptable.
bluntly
adverb [ADVERB with verb]
'I don't believe you!' Jeanne said bluntly.
To put it bluntly, he became a pain.
2. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]
4. verb
COBUILD Advanced English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
Video: pronunciation of 'blunt'
adjective
3.
(of people, manner of speaking, etc) lacking refinement or subtlety; straightforward and uncomplicated
Collins English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
Derived forms
adverb
bluntness (ˈbluntness)
noun
Word origin of 'blunt'
verb transitive
4.
to make (an edge or point) dull
5.
to make dull or insensitive
6.
to make less effective
verb intransitive
7.
to develop a dull edge or point
noun
SIMILAR WORDS: dull
SYNONYMY NOTE: blunt implies a candor and tactlessness that show little regard for another's feelings
[“You're a fool,” was his blunt reply]; bluff2 suggests a coarse heartiness of manner and a good nature that causes the candor to
seem inoffensive [a bluff old gardener]; brusque implies apparent rudeness, as evidenced by abruptness of speech or behavior [a brusque rejection]; curt suggests a terseness of expression that implies a lack of tact or courtesy [a curt dismissal]; gruff suggests bad temper and roughness of speech and manner, connoting, in addition, a
harshness or throatiness in utterance [a gruff sergeant] OPPOSITES: suave, tactful
Webster’s New World College Dictionary, 4th Edition. Copyright © 2010 by
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. All rights reserved.
Derived forms
adverb
bluntness (ˈbluntness)
noun
Word origin of 'blunt'
Example sentences containing 'blunt'
These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content.
Read more…
Men on the other hand are blunt instruments. Times, Sunday Times (2017)There followed a blunt assessment at half-time. Times, Sunday Times (2017)Of course, the trouble with fiscal stimulus is that it is a blunt instrument. Times, Sunday Times (2016)It is a blunt assessment. Times, Sunday Times (2017)ETFs are, to a certain extent, blunt instruments. Times, Sunday Times (2016)With as many blunt objects as you like. The Sun (2013)Teams without an edge can only blunt opposition. Times, Sunday Times (2014)Then it struck me with the force of a blunt instrument. Times, Sunday Times (2008)The exacting standards and the blunt warnings of the challenges appear not to deter the participants. Times, Sunday Times (2011)Experiment with both a sharp and blunt pencil to give a realistic finish. The Sun (2012)Rarely has his message been as blunt. Times, Sunday Times (2007)Ones containing liquorice or fennel can naturally blunt your appetite. The Sun (2009)She had been struck over the head with a blunt object. The Sun (2016)Our preoccupation with class and social etiquette had blunted our competitive edge. Times, Sunday Times (2013)It was likely that the initial injury was the blunt trauma to the side of the neck after the rugby tackle. Times, Sunday Times (2015)Both were admirably blunt and direct. The Sun (2006)Some of her ideas are archaic and she is blunt to the point of rudeness, certainly. Times, Sunday Times (2014)In the outside world, leaders continually face blunt assessment. Christianity Today (2000)The blunt warning came as business leaders blasted the Coalition for failing to boost growth. The Sun (2012)He was a likeable chap, but as blunt and direct a character as you could wish to meet. FRIENDS FOR LIFE (2003)It was a blunt pain. The Sun (2014)Modern hair colour is not just safe, it's also much less of a blunt instrument. Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Trends of 'blunt'
In Common Usage. blunt is one of the 10000 most commonly used words in the Collins dictionary
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Translations for 'blunt'
British English: blunt
/blʌnt/ ADJECTIVE
person If you are blunt, you say exactly what you think without trying to be polite.
His blunt answer surprised them.
- American English: blunt
- Arabic: خَشِن
- Brazilian Portuguese: franco faca
- Chinese: 钝的
- Croatian: izravan
- Czech: upřímný drze
- Danish: ligefrem
- Dutch: bot
- European Spanish: directo
- Finnish: tylsä terä yms.
- French: émoussé
- German: unverblümt
- Greek: αμβλύς
- Italian: diretto
- Japanese: 鈍い
- Korean: 무딘
- Norwegian: brysk
- Polish: stępiony
- European Portuguese: franco
- Romanian: direct
- Russian: резкий
- Spanish: romo
- Swedish: slö
- Thai: ทื่อ
- Turkish: dobra bıçak/makas
- Ukrainian: тупий
- Vietnamese: thẳng thừng
British English: blunt VERB
If something blunts an emotion, a feeling or a need, it weakens it.
The constant repetition of violence has blunted the human response to it.
British English: blunt ADJECTIVE
knife A blunt knife or blade is no longer sharp and does not cut well.
The edge is as blunt as an old butter knife.
- American English: blunt
- Brazilian Portuguese: franco
- Chinese: 钝的
- European Spanish: desafilado
- French: émoussé
- German: stumpf
- Italian: smussato
- Japanese: 鈍い
- Korean: 뭉툭한
- European Portuguese: rombo
- Spanish: desafilado
Nearby words of 'blunt'
Related Terms of 'blunt'
Source
Definition of blunt from the
Collins English Dictionary
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