h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Hi there,
The article makes some valid points. It also uses the word obtuse instead of abstruse. Obtuse is used in mainly geometry. Abstruse means arcane more or less.

Can you tell me which entry you are referring to and I'll go in and make the amendments.



Ashley

Does this refer to A944444 ?

A very interesting query.

The Oxford Dictionary has this for 'obtuse '

adjective 1 annoyingly insensitive or slow to understand: he wondered if the doctor was being deliberately obtuse.
n difficult to understand: some of the lyrics are a bit obtuse.
2 (of an angle) more than 90° and less than 180°.
n not sharp-pointed or sharp-edged; blunt.

A944444 - 'Although all of these subjects (especially when studied at the graduate level) can be obtuse' - seems ok in the sense of 'difficult to understand'. I don't think in this context (social sciences) it would be confused with obtuse angles.

'Abstruse' is used more for something which is obscure or perhaps vague. 'Arcane' would suggest something secret or esoteric.

Just my !

Thanks Bels