Word
blunt
Phoneticsblunt
US/ˈbɫənt/
UK/blˈʌnt/
Definitions
01not sharp
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. having an edge or point that is not sharp.
adj. lacking a sharp edge or point; physically dull.
“The blunt knife struggled to cut through the tough skin of the tomato.”
“Using a blunt chisel for fine woodwork is not only inefficient but also increases the risk of the tool slipping and causing injury.”
Synonyms
02direct in speech
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. saying exactly what you think without trying to be polite.
adj. abrupt in manner or speech; characterized by directness that may border on rudeness.
“To be blunt, I don't think your plan is going to work.”
“Her blunt assessment of the company's failings offended the executives, though most employees privately agreed with her observations.”
Antonyms
03marijuana cigar
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Slang · American English
n. a cigar that has been emptied and refilled with marijuana.
n. a cigar hollowed out and filled with cannabis; common in hip-hop culture and urban slang.
“The security guards caught a group of teenagers smoking a blunt behind the stadium.”
“References to rolling a blunt are frequent in the lyrics of early nineties West Coast rap music.”
Synonyms
Usage
Often used to describe speech, honesty, or physical tools like knives and pencils.
Real-World Examples
“Her video series about the blunt and innocent way children ask questions has gone viral.” “But it's a blunt instrument, and it risks missing the forest for the trees.” Etymology
Two possible origins: * From Anglo-Norman blunt (“blond”), a nickname for someone with fair hair or a light complexion. * From Middle English blunt (“dull, stupid”), a nickname for a stupid person.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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