BLUNTLY

bluffly, bluntly, brusquely, flat out, roundly

(adverb) in a blunt direct manner; “he spoke bluntly”; “he stated his opinion flat-out”; “he was criticized roundly”

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Adverb

bluntly (comparative more bluntly, superlative most bluntly)

In a blunt manner; without delicacy, or the usual forms of civility.

Synonyms

• coarsely, plainly, abruptly

Source: Wiktionary

Blunt"ly, adv.

Definition: In a blunt manner; coarsely; plainly; abruptly; without delicacy, or the usual forms of civility. Sometimes after bluntly giving his opinions, he would quietly lay himself asleep until the end of their deliberations. Jeffrey.

BLUNT

Blunt, a. Etym: [Cf. Prov. G. bludde a dull or blunt knife, Dan. blunde to sleep, Sw. & Icel. blunda; or perh. akin to E. blind.]

1. Having a thick edge or point, as an instrument; dull; not sharp. The murderous knife was dull and blunt. Shak.

2. Dull in understanding; slow of discernment; stupid; -- opposed to acute. His wits are not so blunt. Shak.

3. Abrupt in address; plain; unceremonious; wanting the forms of civility; rough in manners or speech. "Hiding his bitter jests in blunt behavior." "A plain, blunt man." Shak.

4. Hard to impress or penetrate. [R.] I find my heart hardened and blunt to new impressions. Pope.

Note: Blunt is much used in composition, as blunt-edged, blunt- sighted, blunt-spoken.

Syn.

– Obtuse; dull; pointless; curt; short; coarse; rude; brusque; impolite; uncivil.

Blunt, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Blunted; p. pr. & vb. n. Blunting.]

1. To dull the edge or point of, by making it thicker; to make blunt. Shak.

2. To repress or weaken, as any appetite, desire, or power of the mind; to impair the force, keenness, or susceptibility, of; as, to blunt the feelings.

Blunt, n.

1. A fencer's foil. [Obs.]

2. A short needle with a strong point. See Needle.

3. Money. [Cant] Beaconsfield.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition