Definition of 'blunt'

Word Frequency

blunt

(blʌnt )

Word forms: comparative blunter , superlative bluntest , 3rd person singular present tense blunts , present participle blunting , past tense, past participle blunted

1. adjective

If you are blunt, you say exactly what you think without trying to be polite.

She is blunt about her personal life.

She told the industry in blunt terms that such discrimination is totally unacceptable.

Synonyms: frank, forthright, straightforward, explicit More Synonyms of blunt

bluntly adverb [ADVERB with verb]

'I don't believe you!' Jeanne said bluntly.

To put it bluntly, he became a pain.

bluntness uncountable noun [oft poss NOUN]

His bluntness got him into trouble.

Synonyms: frankness, forthrightness, openness, candour More Synonyms of blunt

2. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]

A blunt object has a rounded or flat end rather than a sharp one.

One of them had been struck 13 times over the head with a blunt object.

3. adjective

A blunt knife or blade is no longer sharp and does not cut well.

4. 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. [VERB noun]

The passing of time will blunt the pain. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: dull, weaken, soften, numb More Synonyms of blunt

More Synonyms of blunt

Video: pronunciation of 'blunt'

Word Frequency

blunt in British

(blʌnt )

adjective

(esp of a knife or blade) lacking sharpness or keenness; dull

not having a sharp edge or point

a blunt instrument

(of people, manner of speaking, etc) lacking refinement or subtlety; straightforward and uncomplicated

outspoken; direct and to the point

a blunt Yorkshireman

verb (transitive)

to make less sharp

to diminish the sensitivity or perception of; make dull

noun

7. slang

a cannabis cigarette

Derived forms

bluntly (ˈbluntly)

adverb

bluntness (ˈbluntness)

noun

Word origin of 'blunt'

C12: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse blundr dozing, blunda to close one's eyes; see blunder, blind

Word Frequency

Blunt in British

(blʌnt )

noun

Anthony. 1907–83, British art historian and Soviet spy

Wilfred Scawen. 1840–1922, British poet, traveller, and anti-imperialist

Word Frequency

blunt in American

(blʌnt ; blunt)

adjective

slow to perceive, feel, or understand; dull

having a dull edge or point; not sharp

plain-spoken and abrupt

verb transitive

to make (an edge or point) dull

to make dull or insensitive

to make less effective

verb intransitive

to develop a dull edge or point

noun

8. US, Slang

a marijuana cigarette, specif. one made by putting marijuana into the wrapper of a hollowed-out cigar

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

Derived forms

bluntly (ˈbluntly)

adverb

bluntness (ˈbluntness)

noun

Word origin of 'blunt'

ME < ?

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)The lamb and the ram were attacked with a blunt instrument, which may have been a piece of wood. 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)She had been battered with a blunt instrument. The Sun (2009)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. Jan Fennell 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)