Obtuse
hardob-TOOS
adjective
Definition
Annoyingly insensitive or slow to understand
Examples
“His obtuse response showed he completely missed the point.”
“She grew frustrated with his obtuse refusal to understand.”
Synonyms
densedullimperceptivedim-witted
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Obtuse is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "dense" or "dull" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "acute".
Related GRE Words
prosaic
Lacking poetic beauty; commonplace or dull
pedestrian
Lacking inspiration or excitement; dull
ubiquitous
Present, appearing, or found everywhere
aberrant
Deviating from what is normal or expected
abscond
To leave secretly and hide, especially to avoid arrest or prosecution
ameliorate
To make something bad or unsatisfactory better
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