curt
Adjective
Medium difficulty
What does “curt” mean?
adjective.rudely brief.
SAT Usage
the term is often found in contexts involving communication or interpersonal interactions, highlighting a lack of warmth or politeness. It emphasizes not just brevity, but an abruptness that can be perceived as dismissive or rude, distinguishing it from similar words like "terse," which may not carry the same negative connotation.
Common Confusions
Curt implies a rude abruptness in communication, while terse usually suggests a concise manner without the same level of dismissiveness or rudeness.
Do not choose curt if the context emphasizes politeness or warmth rather than rudeness and brevity.
Example Sentences
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His curt reply made it clear he wanted to be alone.