Literary notes about bluntly (AI summary)
The adverb "bluntly" is often employed to underscore a character’s forthrightness or unvarnished honesty in dialogue, giving their speech an immediate, no-nonsense quality. It frequently precedes remarks, questions, or retorts—infusing them with a sense of direct confrontation or unobstructed clarity, as when a scout interrupts with a sharp query ([1]) or a character refuses a request without hesitation ([2]). Authors also utilize it to frame moments of candid judgment or pragmatic decision-making, ensuring that what is said leaves little room for ambiguity ([3], [4]). In certain contexts, "bluntly" even extends its descriptive power to physical forms or objects, emphasizing a plain, unadorned character ([5], [6]). This versatility enriches the narrative tone, allowing the reader to instantly grasp the speaker’s intent and emotional stance.
- “Where is the knave?” bluntly interrupted the scout.
— from The Last of the Mohicans; A narrative of 1757 by James Fenimore Cooper - Once when a poor woman came, and begged him, out of charity, to save the life of her only child, he bluntly refused.
— from The Hungry Stones, and Other Stories by Rabindranath Tagore - “I didn’t have the carfare, and I live across the Bay,” Martin answered bluntly, with the idea of showing them his imperative need for the money.
— from Martin Eden by Jack London - "What ulterior motive should she have?" asked Colfox, bluntly.
— from All along the River: A Novel by M. E. (Mary Elizabeth) Braddon - it is formed of imbricated scales of a bluntly rounded form, thin not very firm and smoth.
— from The Journals of Lewis and Clark, 1804-1806 by William Clark and Meriwether Lewis - the tail is bluntly pointed and round, covered with fine Soft white fur not quite as long as on the other parts of the body.
— from The Journals of Lewis and Clark, 1804-1806 by William Clark and Meriwether Lewis
