curt

curt

adjective \ˈkərt\

Definition of CURT

1

a : sparing of words : terse <wrote curt precise sentences>

b : marked by rude or peremptory shortness : brusque <a curt refusal>

2

: shortened in linear dimension

— curt·ly adverb

— curt·ness noun

Examples of CURT

1. He gave only a curt reply to the question.
2. <she was offended by the curt reply to her well-meaning question>

Origin of CURT

Latin curtus mutilated, curtailed — more at shear

First Known Use: 1630

Related to CURT

Synonyms

abrupt, bluff, brusque (also brusk), crusty, blunt, downright, short, short-spoken, snippy, unceremonious

Antonyms

circuitous, mealymouthed

Related Words

gruff, rough, snappish; candid, direct, forthright, foursquare, frank, free-spoken, open, outspoken, plain, plainspoken, point-blank, straightforward, straight-out; artless, discourteous, disrespectful, impertinent, impolite, inconsiderate, insensitive, rude, tactless, undiplomatic; brief, closemouthed, laconic, reserved, reticent, terse, tight-lipped; earnest, honest, sincere; coarse, crass, crude, low, uncouth, vulgar

Near Antonyms

civil, considerate, courteous, diplomatic, gracious, polite, politic, smooth, suave, tactful; loquacious, talkative, voluble; long-winded, prolix, verbose; courtly, cultivated, gallant, genteel, polished, refined

See Synonym Discussion at bluff

Rhymes with CURT

blurt, chert, dirt, flirt, girt, hurt, pert, quirt, shirt, skirt, spurt, squirt, sturt, vert, wort