bluntness
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.
Examples
3 of 5Her 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.
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.
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.
Word Family
Memory Tip
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.
Quick Quiz
The CEO's ______ about the company's financial state shocked the employees but helped them understand the need for layoffs.
Correct!
The correct answer is: bluntness
Examples
Her bluntness about the food was surprising, but we appreciated the honesty.
everydayHer direct and honest way of speaking about the food was unexpected, but we valued it.
The report's bluntness regarding the project's failure was noted by the board of directors.
formalThe direct and unvarnished way the report described the failure was acknowledged by the board.
I like his bluntness because you always know exactly what he's thinking.
informalI appreciate his direct way of talking because his thoughts are always clear.
The academic critique was characterized by a certain bluntness that challenged existing theories.
academicThe scholarly review was marked by a directness that questioned current academic theories.
In the fast-paced world of tech, bluntness is often preferred over corporate jargon.
businessIn the technology industry, speaking directly is often favored over using complex corporate language.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
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
Often Confused With
Bluntness is about being direct and honest, whereas rudeness implies a lack of manners or an intent to be mean.
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.
Usage Notes
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.
Common Mistakes
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.
Memory Tip
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.
Word Origin
Derived from the Middle English word 'blunt', meaning dull or insensitive, possibly of Scandinavian origin.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
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.
Quick Quiz
The CEO's ______ about the company's financial state shocked the employees but helped them understand the need for layoffs.
Correct!
The correct answer is: bluntness
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