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blunt

/blʌnt/
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The word "blunt" can be understood in a few different ways, and it can be used both as an adjective and a verb.

As an Adjective:
  1. Meaning:

    • When "blunt" is used as an adjective, it often describes something that is not sharp, like a knife or pencil.
    • It can also refer to a way of speaking that is very direct and honest, without any attempt to soften the message.
  2. Usage Instructions:

    • Use "blunt" to describe objects that have a dull edge or point.
    • Use it to describe communication that is straightforward and clear, even if it might be uncomfortable to hear.
  3. Examples:

    • "The knife is too blunt to cut the vegetables."
    • "He gave me a blunt opinion about my project, telling me it needed a lot of work."
  4. Advanced Usage:

    • In a more nuanced setting, you might say, "Her blunt honesty was refreshing, as she didn't sugarcoat her feedback."
  5. Word Variants:

    • Bluntly (adverb): "She spoke bluntly about the issues at hand."
    • Bluntness (noun): "His bluntness can sometimes hurt people's feelings."
  6. Different Meanings:

    • Beyond describing a dull object or a direct manner of speaking, "blunt" can also refer to something that has lost its edge or intensity, such as emotions or feelings.
As a Verb:
  1. Meaning:

    • When used as a verb, "to blunt" means to make something less sharp or to reduce its intensity.
  2. Examples:

    • "The constant noise blunted her ability to concentrate."
    • "Too much cutting can blunt the knife's edge."
Synonyms:
  • For the adjective meaning (dull or direct):

    • Dull, straightforward, candid, forthright, plainspoken.
  • For the verb meaning (to reduce intensity):

    • Diminish, soften, deaden, weaken.
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
  • There aren't specific idioms that use "blunt," but you may encounter phrases like:
    • "Blunt the edges" – meaning to make something less sharp or intense.
Summary:

In summary, "blunt" can refer to something dull or a way of speaking that is very direct. As a verb, it means to lessen sharpness or intensity.

Adjective
  1. devoid of any qualifications or disguise or adornment
    • the blunt truth
    • the crude facts
    • facing the stark reality of the deadline
  2. characterized by directness in manner or speech; without subtlety or evasion
    • blunt talking and straight shooting
    • a blunt New England farmer
    • I gave them my candid opinion
    • forthright criticism
    • a forthright approach to the problem
    • tell me what you think--and you may just as well be frank
    • it is possible to be outspoken without being rude
    • plainspoken and to the point
    • a point-blank accusation
  3. used of a knife or other blade; not sharp
    • a blunt instrument
  4. having a broad or rounded end
    • thick marks made by a blunt pencil
Verb
  1. make less lively, intense, or vigorous; impair in vigor, force, activity, or sensation
    • Terror blunted her feelings
    • deaden a sound
  2. make less sharp
    • blunt the knives
  3. make dull or blunt
    • Too much cutting dulls the knife's edge
  4. make numb or insensitive
    • The shock numbed her senses
  5. make less intense
    • blunted emotions

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