curt
Curt (adj) means speaking briefly to the point of seeming rude; short and blunt. Example: “Her curt reply made it clear she didn't want to discuss it.”
How to use curt
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAbrupt and to-the-point in a way that comes across as unfriendly.
Word forms
curter comparative, curted past tense, curts singular, curtest superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Her _____ reply made it clear she didn't want to discuss it.
Etymology
From Latin curtus, "shortened" — the same root gives us "curtail" and, through French, "short" as a doublet.
Rhymes for curt
See all rhymes for curt →Frequently asked questions
What does “curt” mean?
The word “curt” means speaking briefly to the point of seeming rude; short and blunt. In plain terms, abrupt and to-the-point in a way that comes across as unfriendly.
How do you pronounce “curt”?
“Curt” is pronounced kurt (/kɝt/ in IPA).
How do you use “curt” in a sentence?
Here is “curt” used in a sentence: “Her curt reply made it clear she didn't want to discuss it.”
What part of speech is “curt”?
“Curt” is an adjective.
Where does the word “curt” come from?
The word “curt” comes from Latin. From Latin curtus, "shortened" — the same root gives us "curtail" and, through French, "short" as a doublet.
Is “curt” a common word?
“Curt” is an uncommon word in modern English.