blunt
B2Neutral to informal in its extended meaning; technical in some contexts (e.g., tools).
Definition
Meaning
Having a dull or rounded edge or point; not sharp.
Very direct and uncompromising in manner or speech; straightforward to the point of rudeness.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The extended meaning of 'blunt' relates to the metaphorical idea of 'not sharpening' one's words, i.e., not making them subtle or indirect.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in core meaning. 'Blunt' as slang for a cannabis cigarette is predominantly American.
Connotations
The connotation of rudeness in the 'direct speech' sense is equally strong in both varieties.
Frequency
The adjective and verb forms are equally common. The noun form (slang for cannabis cigarette) is significantly more frequent in AmE.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to be blunt about somethingto blunt something (verb)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to be blunt (adverbial phrase)”
- “to blunt the edge of something (metaphorical)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Often used in feedback: 'His blunt assessment of the marketing plan was hard to hear but necessary.'
Academic
Used in literary analysis ('blunt prose style') or psychology ('blunted affect').
Everyday
Most common for describing objects (knives, scissors) or direct people.
Technical
Medical/forensic: 'blunt force trauma'; engineering: 'blunt-nosed projectile'.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Using that sharpening steel will blunt the kitchen knife over time.
- The constant criticism began to blunt her enthusiasm for the project.
American English
- Chopping on a glass cutting board will blunt your chef's knife.
- The medication can blunt your emotional responses.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This pencil is blunt. I need a sharpener.
- Be careful with that blunt knife.
- He was very blunt and told me my idea was bad.
- I prefer blunt feedback so I know what to improve.
- The police confirmed the victim was killed by a blunt instrument.
- Her blunt manner sometimes upsets her more sensitive colleagues.
- The economic sanctions failed to blunt the regime's aggressive foreign policy.
- He delivered his critique with a bluntness that bordered on cruelty.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BLUNT object hitting you — the impact is direct, heavy, and not subtle, just like BLUNT speech.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMUNICATION IS A SHARP TOOL (a blunt tool is ineffective at precision, so blunt speech is seen as lacking finesse).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'глупый' (stupid). 'Blunt' relates to directness/dullness, not intelligence.
- The verb 'to blunt' is often mistranslated as 'to make less sharp'; it can metaphorically mean 'ослабить' (to weaken).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'bluntly' as an adjective (*He is a bluntly man). Correct: He is blunt. / He speaks bluntly.
- Confusing 'blunt' (direct) with 'blunt' (cannabis cigarette) in inappropriate contexts.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'blunt' used metaphorically?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not always. It can be positive, implying honesty and no-nonsense communication. Context and tone are key. 'I appreciate your blunt advice' shows it can be valued.
'Blunt' focuses on directness and lack of subtlety. 'Brusque' suggests abruptness and a lack of patience. 'Curt' implies rudely brief and dismissive speech.
Yes, but it is slang. In American English, a 'blunt' is a cigar hollowed out and filled with cannabis. This usage is informal and unrelated to the adjective.
A medical/legal term for injury caused by impact with a dull, firm object or surface (e.g., a bat, the floor), as opposed to a sharp or penetrating injury.
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