Blunt
/blʌnt/noun
Having a dull edge or point; not sharp, or speaking in a direct, unvarnished way.
Did you know?The word is historically linked to a Germanic root meaning “dull” or “blunted,” and its figurative sense for speech came later, turning physical dullness into social force.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*bluntaz
“dull, blunted, not sharp”
Old English
OE
blunt
“dull, not sharp; insensible”
Middle English
ME
blunt
“dull-edged; lacking sharpness”
16th Century
English
blunt
“plain-spoken, abrupt, not softened”
Modern English
English
blunt
“not sharp; direct and unceremonious”