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Meaning & use

curtly

adverb·Academic

Last updated

UK/ˈkɜːtli/
US/ˈkɝːtli/

Meaning

  1. adverbnot comparable

    In a short, sharp way that shows impatience or a lack of friendliness.

    Grammar: Goes with verbs of speaking: said curtly, answered curtly, nodded curtly.

    Patterns

    • say something curtly
    • reply curtly
    • nod curtly

    "I'm busy," she said curtly and turned back to her screen.

    The manager curtly dismissed the complaint.

    He nodded curtly and walked away without another word.

Common combinations

reply curtly
He replied curtly to every question.
say curtly
"No," the clerk said curtly.
nod curtly
She nodded curtly at the guard.
answer curtly
When asked, the official answered curtly that the office was closed.
speak curtly
He spoke curtly to the waiter.

Synonyms and how they differ

briefly
Briefly describes length only, while curtly adds an unfriendly or annoyed tone.
abruptly
Abruptly stresses a sudden change or stop, not necessarily rudeness.
tersely
Tersely stresses saving words and may be neutral, whereas curtly sounds cold.
brusquely
Brusquely adds a rough, blunt manner and is a close match, but it also refers to physical manner.

Opposites

warmlypolitely

Word family

curt adjective
short and rude in manner
curtness noun
the quality of being short and unfriendly
curtail verb
to cut short, a word related in sense, from the same idea of shortness

Commonly confused: curtly or curtsy? curtly or courteously?

curtly vs curtsy

A curtsy is a respectful bow made by bending the knees. It has nothing to do with speaking.

curtly vs courteously

Courteously means politely, which is the opposite of curtly.

Practice

When I asked for directions, the clerk answered ___ and went back to his paperwork.

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