abruptly
uh-BRUHP-lee
Abruptly (adv) means Suddenly and without warning. Example: “The car stopped abruptly at the red light.”
adv
1
Suddenly and without warning.
"The car stopped abruptly at the red light."
"She left the party abruptly, without saying goodbye."
How to use abruptly
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishIn a sudden, unexpected way.
Common pairings
end abruptly
stop abruptly
abruptly changed
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more abruptly
- Superlative
- most abruptly
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The car stopped _____ at the red light.
Etymology
Formed from abrupt plus the adverb-forming suffix -ly.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “abruptly” mean?
The word “abruptly” means suddenly and without warning. In plain terms, in a sudden, unexpected way.
How do you pronounce “abruptly”?
“Abruptly” is pronounced uh-BRUHP-lee (/əˈbɹʌp.li/ in IPA).
How do you use “abruptly” in a sentence?
Here is “abruptly” used in a sentence: “The car stopped abruptly at the red light.”
What part of speech is “abruptly”?
“Abruptly” is an adverb.
Is “abruptly” a common word?
“Abruptly” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between abruptly and suddenly?
Abruptly and suddenly both describe something happening without warning, but abruptly often carries a stronger sense of being unpleasantly sharp, curt, or jarring. Suddenly is more neutral and can describe pleasant or unexpected events just as easily as unwelcome ones.
What kinds of things are commonly described as happening abruptly?
Abruptly frequently describes conversations, meetings, or relationships that end suddenly and without warning, as well as physical actions like stopping or turning. It often implies the change felt jarring or rude to those involved.
Is abruptly used in formal writing?
Yes, abruptly is used in both formal and everyday writing, appearing frequently in news reports, narrative prose, and academic descriptions of sudden change. It does not carry a strong casual or formal register in itself.
