curt
/kə:t/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- 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
- marked by rude or peremptory shortness
- try to cultivate a less brusque manner
- a curt reply
- the salesgirl was very short with him