Bluntness

Bluntness refers to the quality of being direct, straightforward, and candid in communication, often to the point of seeming insensitive or tactless. It involves a lack of concern for softening the impact of one's words or concealing one's true feelings. This characteristic can manifest in various forms, from expressing opinions with uncompromising frankness to delivering criticism without sugarcoating it. While bluntness can be appreciated for its honesty and efficiency, it can also be perceived as rude or offensive, depending on the context and the audience's sensitivity.

Bluntness meaning with examples

• The doctor's bluntness, while initially jarring, proved helpful. He gave me a very realistic view of my situation, the pros and cons and the challenges ahead. This candor allowed me to face reality with a much clearer head, even if the words initially felt a little harsh. I'm grateful for his complete honesty now that I can see how the treatment is working.
• Her bluntness in the meeting was a double-edged sword. On the one hand, she cut through the bureaucracy and said what others were thinking, making a very clear proposal. On the other hand, her harsh assessment of the project's shortcomings bruised some egos in the process, causing resentment.
• His bluntness about the company's financial woes was both a wake-up call and a source of anxiety for the employees. His immediate and direct discussion brought transparency but also created uncertainty about their job security. The directness of his words fueled both clarity and fear.
• The art critic's bluntness in his reviews, while sometimes brutal, was often insightful. He didn't shy away from condemning poorly executed work, providing a clear framework for people to compare works of art, helping people refine their taste, and learn something from artists.
• Her response was met with surprise and a little bit of humor by my bluntness about her cooking. When I told her I didn't enjoy her new dish she was very surprised and then asked what I would like instead, her willingness to accept my feedback was endearing and made her the better cook.