Abstruse vs. Obtuse — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 1, 2024
Abstruse denotes something complex and difficult to understand, while obtuse suggests a lack of sharpness or intellect.
Difference Between Abstruse and Obtuse
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Abstruse refers to concepts or ideas that are difficult to comprehend due to their complexity or depth. On the other hand, obtuse is used to describe someone or something that is not quick or sharp in perception, feeling, or intellect.
Abstruse and obtuse can both relate to difficulty in understanding, but the reasons for the difficulty differ. Abstruse difficulties arise from the inherent complexity of a topic, requiring advanced knowledge or thought to untangle. In contrast, obtuse difficulties stem from a lack of sensitivity or intellectual sharpness in the observer, making it hard for them to grasp even simple concepts.
While abstruse matters are often esteemed for their intellectual challenge and the expertise required to understand them, obtuse viewpoints or understandings are generally viewed negatively, as they indicate a failure to comprehend what should be apparent.
The distinction also extends to the emotional or aesthetic dimensions: abstruse art or poetry appeals to a deeper, perhaps more esoteric level of appreciation, requiring effort and knowledge to be fully appreciated. Obtuse reactions to art, however, suggest a blunt or insensitive capacity for appreciation, missing the nuances that give the work depth.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Difficult to understand due to complexity.
Lacking quickness of sensibility or intellect.
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Context of Usage
Intellectual concepts, theories.
Intellectual capacity, angles.
Implication of Use
Requires specialized knowledge.
Indicates dullness or lack of sharpness.
Perception
Often positive, suggests depth.
Generally negative, suggests shallowness.
Related to
Complexity and depth.
Bluntness or dullness.
Compare with Definitions
Abstruse
Requiring deep learning or special knowledge.
The abstruse terminology used in legal documents can confound even the well-educated.
Obtuse
Showing a lack of sharpness in intellect.
The plot of the novel is straightforward, yet he offered an obtuse interpretation.
Abstruse
Hard to understand; complex.
The philosopher’s thesis was so abstruse that only a handful of experts could appreciate its nuances.
Obtuse
Not pointed or acute in form; blunt.
The child drew an obtuse angle, demonstrating his grasp of geometric concepts.
Abstruse
Obscure and hidden from the general understanding.
The manuscript contained abstruse references that only scholars of ancient languages could decipher.
Obtuse
Not quick or alert in perception, feeling, or intellect.
The obtuse remarks from the critic showed a lack of understanding of the film’s deeper themes.
Abstruse
Beyond the comprehension of the average mind.
Some concepts in advanced mathematics are so abstruse they seem almost alien.
Obtuse
Lacking sharpness or quickness of sensibility.
His obtuse response to the urgent situation frustrated everyone involved.
Abstruse
Esoteric and not easily grasped.
Her poetry is known for its abstruse imagery and deep thematic content.
Obtuse
Insensitive to or unaware of the feelings of others.
Her obtuse comments at the meeting were deemed insensitive by her colleagues.
Abstruse
Difficult to understand; obscure
An abstruse philosophical inquiry
Obtuse
Annoyingly insensitive or slow to understand
He wondered if the doctor was being deliberately obtuse
Abstruse
Difficult to understand; recondite
The students avoided the professor's abstruse lectures.
Obtuse
(of an angle) more than 90° and less than 180°
An obtuse angle of 150°
Abstruse
Difficult to comprehend or understand; obscure.
Obtuse
Not sharp-pointed or sharp-edged; blunt
It had strange obtuse teeth
Abstruse
(obsolete) Concealed or hidden; secret.
Obtuse
Lacking quickness of perception or intellect.
Abstruse
Concealed or hidden out of the way.
The eternal eye whose sight discernsAbstrusest thoughts.
Obtuse
Characterized by a lack of intelligence or sensitivity
An obtuse remark.
Abstruse
Remote from apprehension; difficult to be comprehended or understood; recondite; as, abstruse learning.
Profound and abstruse topics.
Obtuse
Not distinctly felt
An obtuse pain.
Abstruse
Difficult to penetrate; incomprehensible to one of ordinary understanding or knowledge;
The professor's lectures were so abstruse that students tended to avoid them
A deep metaphysical theory
Some recondite problem in historiography
Obtuse
Not sharp, pointed, or acute in form; blunt.
Obtuse
Having an obtuse angle
An obtuse triangle.
Obtuse
(Botany) Having a blunt or rounded tip
An obtuse leaf.
Obtuse
; not sharp, pointed, or acute in form.
Obtuse
Blunt, or rounded at the extremity.
Obtuse
Larger than one, and smaller than two right angles, or more than 90° and less than 180°.
Obtuse
, having an obtuse angle.
Obtuse
Intellectually dull or dim-witted.
Obtuse
Indirect or circuitous.
Obtuse
To dull or reduce an emotion or a physical state.
Obtuse
Not pointed or acute; blunt; - applied esp. to angles greater than a right angle, or containing more than ninety degrees.
Obtuse
Not having acute sensibility or perceptions; not alert, especially to the feelings of others; dull; stupid; as, obtuse senses.
Obtuse
Of an angle; between 90 and 180 degrees
Obtuse
Of a leaf shape; rounded at the apex
Obtuse
Lacking in insight or discernment;
Too obtuse to grasp the implications of his behavior
A purblind oligarchy that flatly refused to see that history was condemning it to the dustbin
Obtuse
Slow to learn or understand; lacking intellectual acuity;
So dense he never understands anything I say to him
Never met anyone quite so dim
Although dull at classical learning, at mathematics he was uncommonly quick
Dumb officials make some really dumb decisions
He was either normally stupid or being deliberately obtuse
Worked with the slow students
Common Curiosities
What does obtuse mean in terms of personality?
In terms of personality, obtuse describes someone who is slow to understand or perceive things, often appearing insensitive or unintelligent.
Can a topic be both abstruse and obtuse?
A topic can be abstruse in nature but not obtuse. If someone's understanding of an abstruse topic is superficial, their explanations might seem obtuse.
How do I know if a concept is abstruse?
If a concept requires specialized knowledge or extensive intellectual effort to understand, it is likely abstruse.
What does abstruse mean?
Abstruse refers to something that is difficult to understand because of its complexity.
What is an example of an obtuse angle?
An angle that measures more than 90 degrees but less than 180 degrees is considered obtuse.
Can mathematics be considered abstruse?
Yes, certain areas of mathematics can be considered abstruse due to their complex theories and principles.
Why might someone be described as obtuse during a discussion?
If they are failing to grasp the essential points or are not perceptive to subtleties in the conversation, they might be described as obtuse.
Are abstruse subjects worth studying?
Yes, studying abstruse subjects can deepen one's knowledge and intellectual capacity.
Is being obtuse always a negative trait?
Yes, being described as obtuse is typically negative, as it implies a lack of quickness in understanding or sensitivity.
Can literature be abstruse?
Literature, especially works with complex themes and structures, can be abstruse.
Is obtuseness related to education?
Obtuseness is more about perception and intellect than education level; someone can be well-educated but still be considered obtuse in certain contexts.
Can art be considered abstruse?
Yes, art that requires a deep level of interpretation or is highly conceptual can be considered abstruse.
Is it possible to make abstruse topics accessible?
With effective communication and teaching methods, abstruse topics can be made more accessible to a broader audience.
How can I avoid being obtuse in conversations?
By listening actively, asking clarifying questions, and being open to understanding complex ideas, you can avoid being obtuse.
Do obtuse angles appear in nature?
Yes, obtuse angles can be found in various natural forms and structures.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
