abrupt

Meanings

1. 1adjectivecomparable

   Happening or changing suddenly, with little or no warning.

   Grammar: Can stand before a noun or after be/seem; use more abrupt for degree.

   Patterns

   • an abrupt change
   • an abrupt end
   • come to an abrupt halt
   • an abrupt departure

   The bus made an abrupt stop and several passengers fell forward.

   After an abrupt change in policy, the team had to rewrite the plan.

   The conversation came to an abrupt halt when the phone rang.

2. 2adjectivecomparabledisapproving

   Rude or too brief in speech or manner because you do not take time to be polite.

   Grammar: Usually describes people, replies, or manners; often followed by with.

   Patterns

   • an abrupt reply
   • abrupt with someone
   • in an abrupt tone

   I’m sorry if I sounded abrupt; I was late for the train.

   Her abrupt manner made the new employee feel unwelcome.

   He was abrupt with customers when the shop was busy.

Word forms

Common combinations

an abrupt change

The abrupt change in weather caught the hikers without rain jackets.

an abrupt end

The festival came to an abrupt end when the storm arrived.

an abrupt halt

Traffic came to an abrupt halt near the closed bridge.

an abrupt manner

His abrupt manner seemed cold, but he was simply exhausted.

Synonyms and how they differ

sudden

Sudden is more neutral and only describes timing, not a rude manner.

unexpected

Unexpected emphasizes surprise, while abrupt also suggests a sharp or quick change.

curt

Curt fits short, impolite speech; abrupt can also describe sudden events.

brusque

Brusque is stronger and more clearly disapproving than abrupt.

Opposites

Word family

abruptly adverb

In a sudden or curt way.

abruptness noun

The quality of being sudden or blunt.

Commonly confused: abrupt or absurd?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “abrupt”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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