blunt
UK[blʌnt]US[blʌnt]
adj
having a worn or thick edge or point; not sharp
adj
(of a person or remark) very direct and saying exactly what you think without trying to be polite
v
to make something less sharp
v
to make a feeling or need less strong
Etymology
the word 'blunt' entered middle english from old norse, likely from the adjective 'blundra', meaning 'to shut one's eyes', which is of obscure origin. the semantic connection is thought to be through the notion of dullness or dimness, metaphorically extending from visual dullness to a lack of sharpness in an edge or in wit. by the late 14th century, it was used to describe dull-edged weapons, and the figurative sense describing straightforward, unsharpened speech emerged in the 16th century. its journey reflects a common pattern where a physical attribute (dullness) evolves to describe a behavioral or communicative style.
Analysis
the word is a simplex of scandinavian origin. it is not productively formed from smaller, identifiable morphemes in modern english.
Examples
the knife was too blunt to cut the rope effectively.
she appreciated his blunt honesty, even though the truth was hard to hear.
the tragic news seemed to blunt his enthusiasm for the project.