brusque

or brusk

[ bruhsk; especially British broosk ]

adjective

1. abrupt in manner; blunt; rough:

   A brusque welcome greeted his unexpected return.

   Synonyms: curt, short, unceremonious

brusque

/ bruːsk; brʊsk; ˈbruːskərɪ /

adjective

1. blunt or curt in manner or speech

Derived Forms

• ˈbrusquely, adverb
• ˈbrusqueness, noun

Other Words From

• brusque·ly adverb
• brusque·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of brusque¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; from Middle French, from Italian brusco “rough, tart,” special use of brusco (noun) “butcher's broom,” from Late Latin brūscum, for Latin rūscus, rūscum, perhaps conflated with unattested Vulgar Latin brūcus “heather” ( brier ² )

Word History and Origins

Origin of brusque¹

C17: from French, from Italian brusco sour, rough, from Medieval Latin bruscus butcher's broom

Synonym Study

See blunt.

Example Sentences

He identifies as “brusque” like other New York City residents.

From The Daily Beast

Those who have interacted with him describe him as brusque, eccentric, clenched.

From The Daily Beast

And McCauley was surely friendlier that his brusque air of command indicated.

From The Daily Beast

Whatever shortcomings the sometimes brusque Abramson has as a manager, she just led the paper to four Pulitzers.

From The Daily Beast

She is frequently described in the press with such adjectives as “brusque,” “aggressive,” and “undiplomatic in the extreme.”

From The Daily Beast

"I thought you wouldn't like the bed," she said, with the brusque familiarity of an old servant and friend.

From Project Gutenberg

She assumed, however, a tone almost brusque, artificially airy and unimportant.

From Project Gutenberg

The brusque and rather timid young officer is lionized in the drawing-room of Madame Tallien.

From Project Gutenberg

He spoke in brusque tones, and he looked at Mina as if he did not know what she might be doing there.

From Project Gutenberg

In most cases he is deplorably curt of speech and brusque of deportment.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• blunt
• gruff
• terse