Obtuse vs. Stupid — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 8, 2024
"Obtuse" describes someone as slow to understand or insensitive, focusing on mental sharpness; "stupid" broadly criticizes intelligence or common sense.
Difference Between Obtuse and Stupid
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Obtuse" often refers to a specific dullness or slowness in understanding or perception, especially in particular situations. Whereas "stupid" implies a more general lack of intelligence or poor judgment, often perceived as an inherent quality.
People described as obtuse might miss subtle hints or fail to grasp complex ideas quickly, focusing on intellectual responses. On the other hand, those labeled as stupid might struggle with basic reasoning or making sensible decisions.
In literature, an obtuse character may not catch on to nuances in dialogue or plot, showing a narrow kind of misunderstanding. Conversely, a stupid character is frequently portrayed as lacking insight across a broader spectrum, affecting more of their interactions and decisions.
The term "obtuse" can sometimes be used less harshly, suggesting temporary confusion or a single aspect of misunderstanding. In contrast, "stupid" is often more derogatory, suggesting a pervasive and fixed lack of intellect.
In educational settings, a student might be described as obtuse for not quickly grasping a mathematical concept, indicating a targeted area of difficulty. Whereas calling a student stupid could be seen as commenting negatively on their overall intellectual capability.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Slow to understand or insensitive
Lacking intelligence or common sense
Usage in context
Often specific to situations or types of understanding
Broadly applicable to general intellect
Connotation
Sometimes less negative, more about perception
Generally more negative, implies overall deficiency
Examples in literature
Fails to grasp nuances, specific misunderstandings
Lacks overall insight, more pervasive issues
Educational implications
Seen as a targeted difficulty in learning
Considered a general critique of intellect
Compare with Definitions
Obtuse
Not sharp, pointed, or acute in form.
The tool had an obtuse edge, making it unsuitable for cutting.
Stupid
Dazed, stunned, or bewildered.
After the accident, he felt completely stupid and disoriented.
Obtuse
Insensitive to or unaware of the feelings of others.
His obtuse remarks about her work made her feel undervalued.
Stupid
In animal husbandry, lacking normal intelligence or care: said of cattle, sheep, etc.
The sheep seemed stupid, not noticing the open gate.
Obtuse
Difficult to comprehend; not clear or precise in thought or expression.
The lecture was obtuse and left many students confused.
Stupid
Lacking interest or point; silly.
They got into a stupid argument that neither of them cared about.
Obtuse
In geometry, an angle greater than 90° but less than 180°.
The triangle had one obtuse angle, making it an obtuse triangle.
Stupid
Tedious or tiresome because of lack of interest or dullness.
The meeting was so stupid, it seemed to drag on forever.
Obtuse
Annoyingly insensitive or slow to understand
He wondered if the doctor was being deliberately obtuse
Stupid
Showing a lack of intelligence or common sense.
It was a stupid mistake that could have easily been avoided.
Obtuse
(of an angle) more than 90° and less than 180°
An obtuse angle of 150°
Stupid
Slow to learn or understand; obtuse.
Obtuse
Not sharp-pointed or sharp-edged; blunt
It had strange obtuse teeth
Stupid
Tending to make poor decisions or careless mistakes.
Obtuse
Lacking quickness of perception or intellect.
Stupid
Marked by a lack of intelligence or care; foolish or careless
A stupid mistake.
Obtuse
Characterized by a lack of intelligence or sensitivity
An obtuse remark.
Stupid
Dazed, stunned, or stupefied
Felt stupid after taking the pain medication.
Obtuse
Not distinctly felt
An obtuse pain.
Stupid
Used to express disparagement or exasperation
Take your stupid notebook and go home.
Obtuse
Not sharp, pointed, or acute in form; blunt.
Stupid
A stupid or foolish person.
Obtuse
Having an obtuse angle
An obtuse triangle.
Stupid
Lacking in intelligence or exhibiting the quality of having been done by someone lacking in intelligence.
Because it's a big stupid jellyfish!
Obtuse
(Botany) Having a blunt or rounded tip
An obtuse leaf.
Stupid
To the point of stupor.
Neurobiology bores me stupid.
Obtuse
; not sharp, pointed, or acute in form.
Stupid
(archaic) Characterized by or in a state of stupor; paralysed.
Obtuse
Blunt, or rounded at the extremity.
Stupid
(archaic) Lacking sensation; inanimate; destitute of consciousness; insensate.
Obtuse
Larger than one, and smaller than two right angles, or more than 90° and less than 180°.
Stupid
Dulled in feeling or sensation; torpid.
Obtuse
, having an obtuse angle.
Stupid
(slang) Amazing.
That dunk was stupid! His head was above the rim!
Obtuse
Intellectually dull or dim-witted.
Stupid
(slang) Darn, annoying.
I fell over the stupid wire.
Obtuse
Of sound, etc.: deadened, muffled, muted.
Stupid
(slang) Extremely.
My gear is stupid fly.
Obtuse
Indirect or circuitous.
Stupid
A stupid person; a fool.
Obtuse
To dull or reduce an emotion or a physical state.
Stupid
The condition or state of being stupid; stupidity, stupidness.
His stupid knows no bounds.
Obtuse
Not pointed or acute; blunt; - applied esp. to angles greater than a right angle, or containing more than ninety degrees.
Stupid
Very dull; insensible; senseless; wanting in understanding; heavy; sluggish; in a state of stupor; - said of persons.
O that men . . . should be so stupid grown . . . As to forsake the living God!
With wild surprise,A moment stupid, motionless he stood.
Obtuse
Not having acute sensibility or perceptions; not alert, especially to the feelings of others; dull; stupid; as, obtuse senses.
Stupid
Resulting from, or evincing, stupidity; formed without skill or genius; dull; heavy; - said of things.
Observe what loads of stupid rhymesOppress us in corrupted times.
Obtuse
Dull; deadened; as, obtuse sound.
Stupid
A person who is not very bright;
The economy, stupid!
Obtuse
Of an angle; between 90 and 180 degrees
Stupid
Lacking or marked by lack of intellectual acuity
Obtuse
Of a leaf shape; rounded at the apex
Stupid
In a state of mental numbness especially as resulting from shock;
He had a dazed expression on his face
Lay semiconscious, stunned (or stupefied) by the blow
Was stupid from fatigue
Obtuse
Lacking in insight or discernment;
Too obtuse to grasp the implications of his behavior
A purblind oligarchy that flatly refused to see that history was condemning it to the dustbin
Stupid
Without much intelligence;
A dull job with lazy and unintelligent co-workers
Obtuse
Slow to learn or understand; lacking intellectual acuity;
So dense he never understands anything I say to him
Never met anyone quite so dim
Although dull at classical learning, at mathematics he was uncommonly quick
Dumb officials make some really dumb decisions
He was either normally stupid or being deliberately obtuse
Worked with the slow students
Common Curiosities
What are some synonyms for "obtuse"?
Some synonyms for "obtuse" are slow, dull-witted, and dense.
What is the main difference between being obtuse and being stupid?
Being obtuse refers to slowness in understanding specific issues, while being stupid refers to a broader deficiency in intellect and judgment.
Is "stupid" always an insult?
Typically, yes. "Stupid" is generally used as a derogatory remark about someone's overall intelligence.
Is there a physical definition for "obtuse"?
Yes, in geometry, an obtuse angle is one that is more than 90 degrees but less than 180 degrees.
Can obtuse be a temporary state?
Yes, obtuse can describe a temporary state of confusion or insensitivity to particular nuances.
How does society generally view stupidity?
Society often views stupidity negatively, associating it with a lack of capability to perform or understand tasks that most find basic.
How do literary works use the term "obtuse"?
In literature, "obtuse" is often used to describe characters who miss subtleties or are slow to understand plot points or emotional cues.
What implications does calling a student "stupid" have in an educational context?
Calling a student "stupid" can be harmful and demeaning, potentially affecting their self-esteem and motivation.
Does the usage of "stupid" vary in different cultures?
Yes, the perception and sensitivity to the term "stupid" can vary significantly across different cultures.
Can the term "obtuse" be used in a non-offensive way?
Yes, "obtuse" can be used in a factual, non-offensive way to describe a lack of quick understanding in a specific area.
How can understanding the difference between obtuse and stupid help in communication?
Understanding these differences helps tailor communication in a way that is more precise and sensitive to the intellectual capacities and current states of others.
What is a polite alternative to calling someone stupid?
A more considerate approach might be to describe specific actions or decisions as "unwise" or "ill-advised" rather than labeling a person as stupid.
What is the etymology of "obtuse"?
"Obtuse" comes from the Latin "obtusus," meaning blunted or dull.
Are there educational strategies to help someone who is described as obtuse?
Yes, targeted educational strategies can help by focusing on specific areas where the person is slow to understand.
Can someone be obtuse in one field but proficient in another?
Absolutely. Being obtuse can be context-specific, affecting only certain areas of understanding, unlike general stupidity.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
