The word "blunt" is spelled phonetically as /blʌnt/ with the "b" sound at the beginning followed by the short "u" sound. The "n" and "t" sounds at the end of the word are both pronounced in a subtle way. This word means to have a dull or rounded edge or to be straightforward and direct in communication. The spelling is important to ensure proper understanding when spoken and written, especially in academic or professional contexts.
Blunt is an adjective that has multiple definitions depending on its context. Firstly, it can refer to an object or a surface lacking a sharp point or edge, thus being rounded, dull or flat. For instance, a knife with a blunt blade lacks a sharp cutting edge. Secondly, blunt can describe a person who is straightforward and direct in their communication, often without tact or subtlety. Such individuals tend to express their thoughts or opinions in a plain and often harsh manner, without sugarcoating or padding their words. Additionally, this term can also describe an action or remark that is insensitive, lacking sensitivity or empathy towards the feelings or perceptions of others. Furthermore, blunt can describe the effect of reducing the intensity or effectiveness of something, like a tool or instrument, due to it being less sharp, acute, or keen. Lastly, it can refer to the effect of diminishing or weakening the impact or force of an action or event. For example, a blunt force trauma refers to a heavy blow that lacks a penetrating or sharp action. Overall, the term blunt encompasses a range of meanings related to lacking sharpness, directness, and insensitivity.
• Not sharp; having a thick edge; plain; unceremonious; wanting in manners.
• To take away the sharpness of an edge; to weaken any appetite or passion, to impair any power or affection of the mind.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "blunt" originated in Middle English as "blont" or "blonten", which meant "to make dull or blunt". Its ultimate origin can be traced back to the Latin word "blundus", which had the same meaning. The term "blundus" evolved from the Proto-Indo-European root *bhel-, which meant "to shine, flash, gleam". Over time, "blunt" came to be associated with the characteristic of dullness or lacking sharpness, both in a literal and figurative sense.