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curtrudely brief in speech or manner; brusque

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: rudely brief in speech or manner; brusque

Pronunciation (IPA): /kɜːrt/

Example Sentences

  • The boss gave a curt 'No' when asked about vacation time.
  • His curt text message just said 'Fine. Whatever.' - clearly he was upset.
  • The waiter's curt service made the expensive restaurant feel unwelcoming.

curt

ADJECTIVE

[/kɜːrt/]

rudely brief in speech or manner; brusque

a stern-faced receptionist gives a quick dismissive hand gesture while barely looking up from her computer screen. A confused visitor stands at the counter holding papers, clearly trying to ask for help. The receptionist's body language shows impatience as she points toward a door without explanation. The visitor's face shows hurt and confusion from the unfriendly treatment. Other people in line behind the visitor exchange uncomfortable glances at the rude interaction.  rudely brief speech and brusque manner in communication
💡 Concept

a stern-faced receptionist gives a quick dismissive hand gesture while barely looking up from her computer screen. A confused visitor stands at the counter holding papers, clearly trying to ask for help. The receptionist's body language shows impatience as she points toward a door without explanation. The visitor's face shows hurt and confusion from the unfriendly treatment. Other people in line behind the visitor exchange uncomfortable glances at the rude interaction. rudely brief speech and brusque manner in communication

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/kɜːrt/
🇬🇧 UK/kɜːt/

🌳Etymology

Rootcurt

Origin

From Latin 'curtus' meaning 'cut short' or 'shortened'. The idea of speech being 'cut short' evolved into describing someone who speaks abruptly or rudely brief.

Breakdown

curt- (cut short, shortened) - the word maintains its original Latin form without additional prefixes or suffixes

🎵Rhyme

hurtdirtshirtalert
hurt
dirt
shirt
alert

🔗Collocations

curt reply
curt manner
curt nod
curt dismissal
curt tone

📝Examples

The boss gave a curt 'No' when asked about vacation time.

😄 Fun example

His curt text message just said 'Fine. Whatever.' - clearly he was upset.

The waiter's curt service made the expensive restaurant feel unwelcoming.

😄 Fun example

She was so tired that her usually warm greetings became curt grunts.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

brusqueabrupttersebluntgruff

Antonyms

politecourteousverbose

Related

briefshortrudeblunt

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