blunt

/blʌnt/ (bre, ipa) · /blʌnt/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈblənt/ (ame, mw)

blunt — adjective

1. describes a blade, pencil, or similar thing whose edge or point has worn down, s

1.形容詞B2
釋義

describes a blade, pencil, or similar thing whose edge or point has worn down, so it no longer cuts, writes, or pokes well.

例句

After opening twenty boxes, the warehouse knife felt blunt in Noor's hand.

blunt + knife after heavy use

This red pencil is too blunt to draw the cat's whiskers.

too blunt to + verb

同義詞
  • dull

    the closest everyday synonym; often used for knives, blades, and pain

  • worn

    broader; suggests damage or long use, not only loss of sharpness

反義詞
  • sharp

    having a fine edge or point

文法句型

blunt + noun

too blunt to + verb

用法筆記

Usually used for tools, pencils, needles, or parts with an edge or point. Common with degree words such as too, slightly, and very when you explain why the thing does not work well.

常見錯誤

This knife is bluntly.
This knife is blunt.
💡use the adjective 'blunt' after 'be'; 'bluntly' is an adverb.

2. speaking in a very direct way that can sound harsh because no effort is made to

2.形容詞B2
釋義

speaking in a very direct way that can sound harsh because no effort is made to soften the message.

例句

Leila's blunt reply made the new waiter step back in silence.

blunt + reply

To be blunt, your plan needs more time and a smaller budget.

fixed phrase: to be blunt

同義詞
  • direct

    broader and often more neutral

  • frank

    honest and open, often with less negative feeling

  • brusque

    more formal; stresses a short, unfriendly manner

反義詞
  • tactful

    careful not to upset people

  • diplomatic

    careful and skillful in sensitive situations

文法句型

blunt about + noun

blunt with + person

to be blunt

用法筆記

Often used for speech, replies, comments, and manner. Distinguish from 'frank', which is usually more neutral or even positive; 'blunt' often suggests that the listener may feel hurt or shocked.

常見錯誤

She spoke blunt to me.
She was blunt with me.
💡after 'be blunt', English usually uses 'with' for the person and 'about' for the topic.

blunt — verb

blunt — noun