abruptly

Meanings

1. 1adverb

   In a sudden way that seems rude or unexpected, without warning or a smooth ending.

   Grammar: Usually modifies a verb: 'He left abruptly.' It can also modify an adjective: 'The meeting came to an abrupt end.'

   Patterns

   • end abruptly
   • leave abruptly
   • stop abruptly
   • speak abruptly

   She was in the middle of a sentence when the phone line went abruptly dead.

   The music stopped abruptly, and the dancers froze.

   He turned abruptly and walked out of the room without saying goodbye.

2. 2adverb

   In a way that changes direction or level sharply and steeply.

   Grammar: Often used for roads, paths, or graphs that rise or fall steeply.

   Patterns

   • rise abruptly
   • fall abruptly
   • turn abruptly

   The path rises abruptly just after the bridge.

   Sales fell abruptly in the final quarter.

   The road bends abruptly to the left at the top of the hill.

Common combinations

come to an abrupt end

The concert came to an abrupt end when the power failed.

abruptly change

The weather changed abruptly from sunny to stormy.

abruptly stop

The bus stopped abruptly, throwing passengers forward.

abruptly leave

She left the party abruptly after the argument.

Synonyms and how they differ

suddenly

More neutral and common; it does not suggest rudeness, so 'The meeting ended suddenly' sounds less critical than 'ended abruptly'.

sharply

Focuses on a quick, severe change, often in direction or amount, and can sound less personal than abruptly.

unexpectedly

Emphasizes surprise rather than speed or rudeness; it often fits when no one was prepared.

Opposites

Word family

abrupt adjective

Sudden and often rude or unwelcome.

abruptness noun

The quality of being sudden or rude.

Commonly confused: abruptly or abrupt? abruptly or erratically?

Practice

Make it your own

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

Explore more words