What does obtusely mean?
Obtusely means in a dull, insensitive, or mentally slow manner. It is used when someone fails to understand an argument, notice an implication, appreciate another person's feelings, or respond appropriately to a situation. The adverb often carries a critical, though less direct, tone than words such as stupidly: calling a person obtuse emphasizes limited perception or thought rather than simply a poor decision. It can also describe an interpretation as insensitive or unreasonably narrow. In professional and formal writing, obtusely is useful for describing failures of judgment without being excessively harsh. The word is related to the adjective obtuse, which can mean intellectually slow to understand or, in geometry, formed by an angle greater than a right angle.
adverbIn a way that is slow to understand or respond; in a dull, insensitive, or intellectually unalert manner.
- In a manner that reveals limited intelligence, awareness, or sensitivity.
- In a way that is slow to understand or respond.
"He answered the criticism obtusely, failing to engage with the substance of the complaint."
"The committee interpreted the proposal obtusely and overlooked its practical benefits."
"She replied so obtusely that the conversation stalled."
Calling someone obtuse is not merely saying they are stupid; it suggests a striking slowness to grasp what is going on.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does obtusely come from?
Obtusely derives from the adjective obtuse, which comes from Latin obtusus, meaning blunt or dull. That Latin word was formed from obtundere, a verb meaning to blunt or make less sharp. The English adjective has long been used figuratively for mental dullness, while the adverb was formed by adding the suffix -ly to the adjective.
Related word forms
How obtusely is actually used
The adverb is relatively formal and often critical. It can describe a person's manner of thinking or speaking, or characterize an interpretation as insensitive or unperceptive.
Easily confused with obtusely
Obtusely describes a dull or unintelligent manner, whereas obtrusively describes behavior that is overly conspicuous or bothersome.