Obtusely

Obtusely is an adverb describing something done in a slow-witted, dull-witted, or insensitive manner. It implies a lack of sharpness, quickness, or perceptiveness, often leading to a misunderstanding or misinterpretation of situations or information. Actions performed obtusely can also be marked by a lack of pointedness, directness, or a blunt approach to communication or tasks. The term suggests a degree of opacity, making comprehension difficult, and might result in a failure to grasp subtleties or nuances. It's linked to a state of mental sluggishness or insensitivity, suggesting a diminished capacity for clear, precise thought or feeling.

Obtusely meaning with examples

• The detective, known for his rapid deductions, found his partner was responding obtusely to the crime scene. The partner’s inability to follow the clues immediately led to a missed connection, causing the suspect to almost evade capture. It highlighted a gap in the team's communication.
• He looked at the complex instructions for the assembly project and began reading them obtusely, failing to understand the fundamental parts of the project. This resulted in building the model completely wrong. His slow processing time meant the project was not a success.
• When confronted with the heartbreaking news, she responded obtusely, her words lacking the empathy. Her insensitivity angered the friend who was trying to get support. The friend would not forget the act.
• The politician addressed the crowd obtusely. His speech was full of platitudes and avoided the critical issues; the audience was left feeling patronized. His inability to directly answer the questions left many unhappy.
• The artist approached her canvas obtusely, smearing paint without a clear vision or plan. The resulting piece, a mess of colors, did not convey the depth of feeling she was hoping for.