Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Brief and to the point; effectively cut short: Describes speech or a manner that is very concise, often to the point of seeming abrupt because it uses few words.
   • Marked by rude or peremptory shortness: Describes a way of speaking or behaving that is so brief it comes across as dismissive, impolite, or lacking in courtesy.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:
  • She gave a curt nod before turning away.
  • His curt reply of "No" ended the discussion.
  • The manager's curt email left the team feeling confused and unappreciated.

Advanced Usage

• "to be curt with someone": to speak to someone in a brief and often rude way.
  • The customer service agent was curt with the frustrated caller.

Variants and Related Words

• Curtly (adverb): In a curt manner.
  • "Not now," he said curtly.
• Curtness (noun): The quality or state of being curt.
  • The curtness of his tone was unmistakable.

Synonyms

• Brusque: Abrupt or offhand in speech or manner.
• Laconic: Using very few words.
• Terse: Sparing in the use of words; abrupt.
• Succinct: Briefly and clearly expressed.
• Short: Brief and somewhat rude.

Antonyms

• Verbose: Using or expressed in more words than are needed.
• Effusive: Expressing feelings of gratitude, pleasure, or approval in an unrestrained or heartfelt manner.
• Polite: Having or showing behavior that is respectful and considerate of other people.
• Expansive: Covering a wide area in terms of space or scope; extensive and detailed in communication.

Related Phrases

• A curt dismissal: A very brief and often rude rejection or refusal.
  • His proposal met with a curt dismissal from the board.

Adjective

1. brief and to the point; effectively cut short; `yes'"
   • a crisp retort
   • a response so curt as to be almost rude
   • the laconic reply
   • short and terse and easy to understand
2. marked by rude or peremptory shortness
   • try to cultivate a less brusque manner
   • a curt reply
   • the salesgirl was very short with him