Curt
/kɜrt/
adjectiveB2
Definition
Curt describes a way of speaking or writing that is brief and to the point, often sounding rude or unfriendly because it does not include extra polite words. It usually shows that a person is annoyed, impatient, or does not want to talk more.
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See It in Action
Brief and possibly rude or unfriendly way of speaking
- •His curt reply made her feel unwelcome.
- •She gave a curt nod and walked away.
- •The manager was curt with the employees during the meeting.
(Less common) Short or abrupt in movement or action (mostly used for speech)
- •His curt gesture showed he was annoyed.
- •The letter was written in a curt style.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "curt" like "short" but for talking—using very few words, sometimes too few
- ✓Picture someone quickly saying "No" and turning away without smiling or explaining
- ✓It's the feeling when someone answers you quickly but seems upset or uninterested
- ✓Sounds like "curt" → imagine a curtain quickly closing, stopping the conversation fast
- ✓Think of a boss giving a quick order without extra explanation, making you feel rushed
- ✓NOT like "polite" (friendly and soft) but "curt" (sharp and cold)
- ✓NOT like "quiet" (not speaking much by choice), "curt" is about how you speak briefly and sharply
- ✓NOT like "short" in time only, "curt" is about words being short and sometimes rude
Try Other Words
- •Brief: short in time or words (Use when you want to say something is short but not rude)
- •Abrupt: sudden and unexpected (Use when the action or speech is sudden and may feel rude)
- •Blunt: very direct and sometimes rude (Use when someone is honest but can hurt feelings)
- •Terse: using few words, sometimes in a way that seems unfriendly (Use for formal or written communication that is short and sharp)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "curt" is a base word without prefix or suffix
- •Etymology: From Latin "curtus," meaning shortened or cut short
- •Historical development: Entered English in the 1400s meaning shortened or cut off; later gained the meaning of brief and rude speech
- •Modern usage: Used to describe speech or behavior that is short and often shows impatience or rudeness
Reflect & Connect
•Can being curt sometimes be helpful or necessary? When?
•How do you feel when someone speaks to you in a curt way? How might you respond?
Fill in the blanks
1.When he was angry, his curt answers showed his ___ with the situation.
2.A curt reply often makes the other person feel ___ or ignored.
3.Unlike polite conversation, a curt response usually lacks ___ words or kindness.
4.She gave a curt nod ___ saying anything else.
5.A manager who speaks curtly might want to ___ the meeting quickly.
6.If someone is curt, they might ___ their words to avoid extra talking.
7.You can tell a message is curt if it feels ___ or too direct without explanation.