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Meaning & use

brusque

adjective·Advanced

Last updated

UK/bruːsk/
US/brʌsk/

Meaning

  1. adjectivecomparable

    Speaking or behaving in a way that is abrupt and blunt, often seeming rude or unfriendly.

    Grammar: Used to describe a person's manner or tone; can be used before a noun (a brusque reply) or after a linking verb (he was brusque).

    Patterns

    • be brusque with someone
    • a brusque manner
    • a brusque reply

    The receptionist was brusque with me when I asked for help.

    His brusque tone made it clear he didn't want to chat.

    She gave a brusque nod and walked away.

Word forms

comparativebrusquer
superlativebrusquest

Common combinations

brusque manner
His brusque manner often put people off at first.
brusque reply
She gave a brusque reply and hung up.
brusque with someone
Try not to be so brusque with the new staff.
sound brusque
You might sound brusque if you speak too quickly.

Synonyms and how they differ

abrupt
Abrupt suggests a sudden, unexpected change in manner, while brusque focuses on bluntness that may seem rude.
curt
Curt means using very few words, often in a way that seems impolite; brusque is more about the overall blunt tone.
blunt
Blunt means saying exactly what you think without trying to be polite, but it can be honest rather than rude; brusque often implies a harsher edge.

Opposites

politegentlegracious

Word family

brusquely adverb
In a brusque manner.
brusqueness noun
The quality of being brusque.

Commonly confused: brusque or brisk?

brusque vs brisk

Brisk means quick and energetic, often in a positive way (a brisk walk), while brusque means abrupt and rude.

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