B2 verb Neutre

bluntness

/ˈblʌntnəs/

The quality of being direct and outspoken, often speaking in a way that is very honest but potentially insensitive or rude. It describes communication that lacks subtlety or attempts to soften the truth.

Exemples

3 sur 5
1

Her bluntness about the food was surprising, but we appreciated the honesty.

Her direct and honest way of speaking about the food was unexpected, but we valued it.

2

The report's bluntness regarding the project's failure was noted by the board of directors.

The direct and unvarnished way the report described the failure was acknowledged by the board.

3

I like his bluntness because you always know exactly what he's thinking.

I appreciate his direct way of talking because his thoughts are always clear.

Famille de mots

Nom
bluntness
Verb
blunt
Adverbe
bluntly
Adjectif
blunt
Apparenté
blunt
💡

Astuce mémo

Think of a 'blunt' object like a hammer. It doesn't cut precisely like a 'sharp' knife; it hits the target directly and hard, just like a blunt person hits the truth.

Quiz rapide

The CEO's ______ about the company's financial state shocked the employees but helped them understand the need for layoffs.

Correct !

La bonne réponse est : bluntness

Exemples

1

Her bluntness about the food was surprising, but we appreciated the honesty.

everyday

Her direct and honest way of speaking about the food was unexpected, but we valued it.

2

The report's bluntness regarding the project's failure was noted by the board of directors.

formal

The direct and unvarnished way the report described the failure was acknowledged by the board.

3

I like his bluntness because you always know exactly what he's thinking.

informal

I appreciate his direct way of talking because his thoughts are always clear.

4

The academic critique was characterized by a certain bluntness that challenged existing theories.

academic

The scholarly review was marked by a directness that questioned current academic theories.

5

In the fast-paced world of tech, bluntness is often preferred over corporate jargon.

business

In the technology industry, speaking directly is often favored over using complex corporate language.

Famille de mots

Nom
bluntness
Verb
blunt
Adverbe
bluntly
Adjectif
blunt
Apparenté
blunt

Collocations courantes

refreshing bluntness a surprisingly honest and direct way of speaking
characteristic bluntness the direct way a person usually speaks
disarming bluntness honesty that is so direct it makes others feel less defensive
brutal bluntness extreme honesty that can be painful or harsh
startling bluntness a level of directness that is surprising or shocking

Phrases Courantes

with typical bluntness

speaking in one's usual direct and honest manner

admit with bluntness

to confess something in a very direct way

pardon my bluntness

an apology used before saying something very direct or potentially rude

Souvent confondu avec

bluntness vs rudeness

Bluntness is about being direct and honest, whereas rudeness implies a lack of manners or an intent to be mean.

bluntness vs dullness

While 'blunt' can mean 'not sharp', bluntness almost exclusively refers to a person's manner of speech, while dullness refers to a lack of interest or a physical edge.

📝

Notes d'usage

Bluntness is a double-edged sword; it can be seen as a positive trait (honesty) or a negative one (insensitivity). Use it to describe someone who gets straight to the point without 'sugar-coating' the truth.

⚠️

Erreurs courantes

Learners often use 'bluntness' to describe a physical object that isn't sharp; however, we usually use the word 'dullness' for physical objects and 'bluntness' for personality or speech.

💡

Astuce mémo

Think of a 'blunt' object like a hammer. It doesn't cut precisely like a 'sharp' knife; it hits the target directly and hard, just like a blunt person hits the truth.

📖

Origine du mot

Derived from the Middle English word 'blunt', meaning dull or insensitive, possibly of Scandinavian origin.

Modèles grammaticaux

uncountable noun often follows possessive adjectives (his bluntness, their bluntness) can be used as the subject or object of a sentence
🌍

Contexte culturel

In many Western business cultures, bluntness is often valued as 'getting to the point,' whereas in many East Asian cultures, it may be perceived as a serious lack of social harmony.

Quiz rapide

The CEO's ______ about the company's financial state shocked the employees but helped them understand the need for layoffs.

Correct !

La bonne réponse est : bluntness

Mots lis

obgenly

C1

Describing qualities or characteristics that are intrinsic, fundamental, or naturally occurring within a specific category, class, or genus. It suggests that a trait is not acquired through external influence but is a core component of the entity's classification.

bilabancy

C1

To alternate or waver between two specific choices, conditions, or states in a rhythmic or repetitive manner. It describes both the physical movement of shifting weight and the mental process of indecision between two poles.

homomemy

C1

Describing a state of identical or near-perfect replication of a conceptual or structural unit within a system. It is used to characterize patterns where a 'meme' or fundamental component remains unchanged across various iterations or transmissions.

synformile

C1

A synformile is a specialized structural unit or component designed to precisely match or align with a corresponding external template or matrix. In technical contexts, it refers to an element that maintains spatial consistency and structural parity within a larger system.

antesophtion

C1

Describing a state, concept, or period existing before the attainment of philosophical wisdom or intellectual sophistication. It refers to rudimentary or naive perspectives that have not yet been refined by deep critical thought or scholarly maturity.

contrafidable

C1

To formally challenge or invalidate a statement or agreement by presenting evidence that contradicts a previously established position of trust. It is used primarily in legal or high-stakes contexts when one party acts against a confidential understanding.

autotegious

C1

To provide oneself with a protective covering or to self-shield against external environmental factors. It typically describes the action of an organism or system creating its own defensive layer or housing without outside assistance.

monoonymism

C1

The practice or state of being known by a single name (a mononym) rather than a multi-part name including a surname. This phenomenon is frequently observed in historical records, the arts, and specific cultural naming conventions.

proscribhood

C1

Relating to the state or quality of being officially forbidden, denounced, or legally excluded from society. It describes an entity, person, or practice that exists under a formal ban or a condition of social ostracism.

supercuracy

C1

A level of precision that exceeds standard or expected limits, often used in technical, scientific, or computational contexts to describe near-perfect accuracy. It signifies the achievement of performance that is significantly higher than conventional benchmarks, particularly in data processing or high-end instrumentation.

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