curt

¹

[kurt]

adjective

curter, curtest 

1. rudely brief in speech or abrupt in manner.

   Synonyms: sharp, snappish

2. brief; concise; terse; laconic.

3. short; shortened.

   Synonyms: abbreviated

Curt

²

[kurt]

noun

1. a male given name, form of Curtis.

curt

/ kɜːt /

adjective

1. rudely blunt and brief; abrupt

   a curt reply

2. short or concise

Other Word Forms

• curtly adverb
• curtness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of curt¹

First recorded in 1620–30, curt is from the Latin word curtus “shortened, short, cut short”

Word History and Origins

Origin of curt¹

C17: from Latin curtus cut short, mutilated

Synonym Study

See blunt.

Example Sentences

Somehow his curt reassurance made all her fears come rushing back.

Read more on Literature

Until, that is, I noticed myself crossing some invisible line: I wasn’t just focused; I was curt.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The rhythm section remained taut and rigid—live musicians mimicking the curt slap of hip-hop.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The pair had a curt handshake after Townsend clinched victory before Latvian Ostapenko made a comment at the net.

Read more on BBC

Yet he did, ending his meeting with the Russian leader with curt remarks, taking no questions from the press and offering no sense of a breakthrough toward peace in Ukraine.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• blunt 
• brusque 
• concise 
• offhand 
• pithy 
• succinct 
• terse