Curt

¹ American  

[kurt] / kɜrt /

noun

1. a male given name, form of Curtis.

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curt ² American  

[kurt] / kɜrt /

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

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curt British  

/ kɜːt /

adjective

1. rudely blunt and brief; abrupt

   a curt reply

2. short or concise

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Related Words

See blunt.

Other Word Forms

• curtly adverb
• curtness noun

Etymology

Origin of curt

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

Example Sentences

The intelligence chief’s curt, deadpan delivery has helped popularize the work of the military intelligence agency, known as HUR, with the public using Budanov’s interviews for widely circulated memes on social media mocking Russia.

From The Wall Street Journal

Her curt weekly directive was to take one from the pile and stick it in wrapping paper.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From Literature

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

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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