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:
- Remember that obtuse is often used to describe something slow or insensitive, much like how a person might seem dull or blunt in understanding.
- Use abstruse when describing things that are complicated and difficult to understand, like certain philosophical theories.
- Think of obtuse angles in geometry, which are broader and less sharp, to remember its association with dulled understanding or insensitivity.
- Abstruse has a silent b that can remind you of the complexity and depth that can be difficult to grasp.
- Obtuse can also relate to a persons lack of intelligence or insight, whereas abstruse' is strictly about the complexity of the subject matter.
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