curt

Everyday

1. Curt means rudely short: a curt reply uses very few words and sounds cold or unfriendly. tree →
2. (rare) Curt can mean simply brief or short. tree →

In the lessons

In stories it shows a character's mood: a curt answer tells the reader that someone is cross, busy or does not want to talk. In everyday life it helps describe how people speak. Phrases: «a curt reply», «a curt nod», «curt tone». Related adverb: curtly.

Examples

• «No,» she said in a curt voice. tree →
• His curt reply made me feel silly for asking. tree →
• The shopkeeper gave us a curt nod. tree →
• Try not to be curt with your little sister. tree →
• The email was curt: «Not today.» tree →
• The coach was curt after the team lost. tree →
• I'm sorry I was so curt with you this morning. tree →

Note

Adjective; adverb: curtly; noun: curtness. Do not confuse with «Kurt» or «Curt» (boys' names) or with «curtain». A curt answer is short in a rude way; a «brief» answer is just short, not necessarily rude.