In mathematics, the term Obtuse is one that is frequently used to refer to a specific kind of angle. However, the term isn’t exclusive to mathematics, and it can be used in everyday language as well. By exploring both the mathematical and linguistic uses of the term, this article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of what ‘obtuse’ means.
Obtuse in Mathematics
In geometry, an angle is considered as obtuse if it measures more than 90 degrees but less than 180 degrees. This places it exactly between a right angle, which is exactly 90 degrees, and a straight angle, which is exactly 180 degrees.
An easy way to visualize this is to consider an open book laying flat. If you start closing the book, the angle between the covers will slowly get smaller. From a straight line (or a straight angle of 180 degrees) you will move to obtuse angles as you close it. The angle remains obtuse until it reaches 90 degrees, at which point it’s a right angle.
Obtuse in Everyday Language
While ‘obtuse’ is mainly used in mathematical contexts, it can also be used to describe someone who is dull, lacking quickness of perception or intellect, or someone who is purposely hard to understand or difficult to get a point across to.
For example, someone might say, “I tried explaining the situation to him, but he was being obtuse and didn’t understand what I meant.” In this context, being obtuse could mean they are deliberately acting dense, they are genuinely not understanding the explanation, or perhaps the explainer is not communicating effectively.
Using the Word Obtuse
In mathematics, you could say, “The obtuse angle measures 120 degrees.” This indicates that the size of the angle is greater than a right angle, and thus it is obtuse.
When used outside of math, it would look something like this: “I tried explaining it several times, but he was being particularly obtuse that day.”
Coming to Terms with Obtuse
Essentially, ‘obtuse’ in its simplest form refers to an angle greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees in geometry, or, in daily interaction, to someone who is slow to comprehend or deliberately difficult to understand or communicate with. While the two uses of the word may seem unrelated, they both signify things that are not quite straight or direct.