Master confusing words with ease
Abstruse vs. Obtuse
Abstruse
/əbˈstruːs/Examples:
The scientist's theory was considered abstruse by many of her peers.Despite his best efforts, the abstruse text eluded his understanding.Philosophy often dives into abstruse concepts that challenge the mind.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Obtuse
/əbˈtjuːs/Examples:
Her obtuse angle of reasoning puzzled the mathematicians.The novel's obtuse symbolism left readers debating its meaning.Despite his obtuse nature, his enthusiasm was infectious.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Ways to tell them apart:
- Obtuse often refers to something dull or not sharp, think of an obtuse angle in math which is greater than 90 degrees and appears blunt.
- Abstruse refers to something difficult to understand or complex, like complex theoretical concepts.
- Remember obtuse as something simple or blunt, and abstruse as something intricate and hard to grasp.
- If someone is being obtuse, they might be acting slow to understand, whereas if an idea is abstruse, it's inherently complicated.
- Link obtuse with physicality or straightforwardness and abstruse with abstract and challenging ideas.
© 2025 Lithium Lab Pte Ltd