* Slow to understand: They don't grasp things quickly or easily. They might miss obvious points or take a long time to process information.
* Lacking intelligence: This is a more severe implication, suggesting the person is intellectually limited. However, it's important to note that "dense" doesn't always mean "stupid."
* Unresponsive to ideas or suggestions: The person might seem stubborn, unwilling to listen, or resistant to new information.
It's important to be mindful of the context:
* Informal setting: "Dense" might be used jokingly among friends, but it can still be hurtful.
* Formal setting: Using "dense" in a professional or academic setting is highly inappropriate and disrespectful.
Alternatives to "dense":
Instead of using "dense," try to be more specific about what you mean:
* "They seem to be having trouble understanding..."
* "I'm not sure they're getting the point..."
* "They don't seem to be responding to my suggestions..."
Remember: Using respectful and constructive language is always the best approach.