blunt

views updated May 21 2018

blunt / blənt/ • adj. 1. (of a knife, pencil, etc.) having a worn-down edge or point; not sharp.2. (of a person or remark) uncompromisingly forthright: he is as blunt as a kick in the shins.• v. make or become less sharp: [intr.] the edge may blunt very rapidly. ∎  [tr.] fig. weaken or reduce (something): their determination had been blunted.DERIVATIVES: blunt·ly adv.blunt·ness n.

blunt

views updated May 17 2018

blunt †dull, stupid XII; not physically sharp XIV; †rude, unrefined XV; abrupt of speech XVI. of uncert. orig.