Obtuse is a multi-purpose adjective:

Let’s talk about the first definition. Obtuse is used to describe someone who is slow to learn or understand or lacking in discernment. You can see that it’s not a compliment.

Example sentences:

1. I wonder if my friend was deliberately being obtuse when I spoke to her about her behaviour at the restaurant.
2. The students are not obtuse; they just don’t want to start on their assignment.
3. I guess I may be obtuse because I cannot understand the lessons on basic statistics.

Now, you would understand why obtuse also means a shape that is blunt i.e. not sharp — like these basil leaves

Obtuse is also used to describe an angle that is between 90 and 180 degrees, like this:

There you have it! What a versatile adjective!

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#wotw #wordoftheweek #englishvocabulary

See previous wotw entries.