curtness

/'kə:tnis/
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curtness

She responded to the question with noticeable curtness.

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.
curtness

She responded to the question with noticeable curtness.

Noun
  1. an abrupt discourteous manner

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