curtly

Friendly

Word: Curtly

Part of Speech: Adverb

Definition: The word "curtly" means to speak or respond in a very brief and rude manner. When someone talks curtly, they do not take the time to be polite or friendly. Instead, their tone can come off as abrupt or dismissive.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "curtly" when describing how someone communicates, especially when their response lacks warmth or friendliness.
• It often describes a way of speaking that might hurt or offend others because it sounds too short or harsh.

Example Sentences:

1. When I asked him for help, he replied curtly, “I don’t have time.”
2. She curtly told me to leave her office when I interrupted her.

Advanced Usage:

• "Curtly" can be used in formal or literary contexts to describe someone's manner of speaking, especially in situations where rudeness or irritation is implied.
• For example: "The manager addressed the complaints curtly, leaving no room for discussion."

Word Variants:

• Curt (adjective): Describes someone who speaks in a curt manner. Example: “His curt reply made her feel unwelcome.”
• Curtness (noun): The quality of being curt. Example: “Her curtness surprised everyone at the meeting.”

Different Meanings:

• Generally, "curtly" is associated with communication style and typically has a negative connotation. It implies that the speaker is being dismissive or unfriendly.

Synonyms:

• Abruptly
• Briefly
• Rude
• Bluntly
• Tersely

Related Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "Short with someone": This means to speak to someone in a curt or impatient way. Example: "He was short with me when I asked about the project."
• "Bite someone's head off": This is an idiom meaning to respond to someone in an extremely angry or curt manner.

Academic

Adverb

1. in a curt, abrupt and discourteous manner
   • he told me curtly to get on with it
   • he talked short with everyone
   • he said shortly that he didn't like it

Synonyms

• short
• shortly