brusquely

Meanings

1. 1adverbnot comparabledisapproving

   In a short, impatient way that sounds curt and a little unfriendly.

   Grammar: Modifies verbs of speaking or acting: she answered brusquely.

   Patterns

   • speak brusquely
   • reply brusquely to someone

   The receptionist brusquely told us to wait outside.

   "Not now," he said brusquely, without looking up from his screen.

   She brusquely waved away the offer of help.

2. 2adverbnot comparable

   Quickly and bluntly, with no softening or small talk, though not always meaning to offend.

   Grammar: Can describe efficient, no-nonsense action: the nurse worked brusquely but kindly.

   Patterns

   • act brusquely
   • move brusquely

   The coach brusquely ended the meeting to save time.

   The surgeon spoke brusquely, but she cared deeply about her patients.

   He brusquely folded the map and strode off.

Common combinations

say brusquely

"Sit down," the officer said brusquely.

reply brusquely

She replied brusquely to the reporter's question.

dismiss brusquely

He brusquely dismissed the suggestion.

speak brusquely to

Don't speak so brusquely to the new intern.

brusquely efficient

The clerk was brusquely efficient and never smiled.

Synonyms and how they differ

curtly

Curtly stresses very few words, often to show annoyance, while brusquely stresses abruptness and lack of manners.

abruptly

Abruptly is about suddenness, and need not sound rude, whereas brusquely always has a rough edge.

gruffly

Gruffly points to a rough, low voice, while brusquely points to a clipped, businesslike manner.

bluntly

Bluntly means saying exactly what you think without softening, while brusquely describes a short, cold manner of delivery.

Opposites

Word family

brusque adjective

short and blunt in manner

brusqueness noun

abrupt and blunt behavior

Commonly confused: brusquely or brusque?

Practice

Make it your own

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

Explore more words