curtness
/'kə:tnis/
Definition
Noun: 1. An abrupt, blunt, or brusque manner in speech or behavior; a lack of courtesy or politeness in being brief. It refers to the quality of being so short and direct that it seems rude or dismissive.
Usage
- Curtness is an uncountable noun used to describe the manner or tone of a person's communication or actions.
- It is often used with verbs like , , , or .
- It typically has a negative connotation, implying rudeness or impatience.
Examples
- Her curtness on the phone made the customer feel unwelcome.
- I was surprised by the curtness of his email reply; it consisted of only one word: "No."
- The manager's curtness during the meeting discouraged others from asking questions.
- He apologized for his curtness, explaining he was under a lot of pressure.
Advanced Usage
- "with curtness": This adverbial phrase describes how an action is performed.
- She dismissed the idea with a dismissive curtness.
- "a certain curtness": Used to indicate a noticeable but perhaps not extreme degree of bluntness.
- There was a certain curtness in his voice that suggested he was not in the mood for discussion.
Variants and Related Words
- Curt (adjective): The adjective form meaning abrupt and blunt, often to the point of rudeness.
- He gave a curt nod and walked away.
- Curtly (adverb): The adverb form describing an action done in a curt manner.
- "Not now," she said curtly.
Synonyms
- Abruptness: Suddenness and bluntness in manner.
- Brusqueness: Blunt, direct, and lacking patience.
- Terseness: Extreme brevity in speech or writing (can be neutral or negative).
- Bluntness: Speaking in a direct, honest way that may disregard feelings.
Antonyms
- Politeness
- Courtesy
- Verbosity
- Long-windedness
Related Idioms/Phrases
- To be short with someone: To speak to someone in a curt or impatient way.
- I know he's busy, but he didn't need to be so short with the receptionist.
- To cut someone short: To interrupt someone and stop them from finishing, often rudely.
- He cut her short before she could fully explain her proposal.
Noun
-
an abrupt discourteous manner
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