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.
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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.
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Ways to tell them apart:
- Obtuse relates to something not sharp or clear, think of an obtuse angle in geometry which is more than 90 degrees.
- Abstruse is used to describe something very difficult to understand, think of abstract art which can be hard to interpret.
- Remember that obtuse is often used to describe people who are slow to perceive something, while abstruse is used for complex ideas or theories.
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