Abrupt Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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abrupt

[əˈbrʌpt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

sudden change

1. Happening or done quickly and unexpectedly. 2. Brief to the point of rudeness; curt. 3. Characterized by an unexpected change in a situation.

Synonyms

abruptly, sharp, sudden, unexpected.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
abrupt	Used when something happens quickly and without warning, often in a way that seems rude or unpleasant. The meeting came to an abrupt end. His abrupt departure surprised everyone.
sudden	Appropriate when something happens very quickly without any warning, commonly used in various situations. Her sudden appearance startled everyone. A sudden shift in the wind direction caused the boat to tip over.
unexpected	Used when something occurs that was not anticipated or planned, often surprising. The rain was completely unexpected during the dry season. She received an unexpected gift from her friend.
abruptly	Describes an action that happens suddenly and without warning, often interrupting something. She stood up abruptly and left the room. The car stopped abruptly on the road.
sharp	Suitable for describing sudden and distinct changes, often used for physical changes or shifts in situations. There was a sharp increase in temperature. He felt a sharp pain in his leg.

Examples of usage

She received an abrupt reply to her email.
He was known for his abrupt manner of speaking.
The abrupt weather change caught everyone off guard.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

geology

1. A steep cliff, typically one formed by erosion.

Synonyms

cliff, drop off, precipice.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
abrupt	This word is used to describe something that happens suddenly and unexpectedly, often in a way that is unsettling or surprising. The meeting came to an abrupt end. Her abrupt departure surprised everyone.
cliff	This word describes a high, steep face of rock or earth, usually found at the edge of the sea or a river. It's used in geological contexts or when describing a dangerous height. The waves crashed against the base of the cliff. They stood on the edge of the cliff and looked down.
precipice	Like 'cliff,' this word describes a very steep face of rock or a tall cliff. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a situation where someone is on the verge of a dangerous or risky decision. She was standing on the edge of the precipice, looking out over the valley. The company is on the precipice of bankruptcy.
drop off	This phrase can describe a sharp fall or decline, and is often used in everyday language to talk about a decrease in numbers, quality, or a physical drop in height. There was a drop off in sales last month. Be careful, there's a steep drop off just ahead.

Examples of usage

The hikers had to navigate around the abrupts to reach the summit.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Sudden changes in environment or routine can cause stress and require immediate adaptation.
Research shows that abrupt events are often more memorable than gradual changes due to their unexpected nature.
People may have varying levels of tolerance to abrupt changes, often influenced by personality and past experiences.

Literature

Authors use abrupt transitions in their writing to capture readers' attention and create surprise.
In storytelling, abrupt endings can evoke strong emotions, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
Many poems incorporate abrupt imagery to create vivid snapshots that stir the imagination.

Pop Culture

In films, abrupt scene cuts create tension, making scenes feel more dramatic and instantaneous.
Music often uses abrupt changes in tempo or volume to surprise listeners and keep them engaged.
Viral moments in video content can be abrupt, capturing audiences' interest in just a few seconds.

Science

Natural disasters, like earthquakes, happen abruptly, causing swift changes in landscapes and lives.
Researchers study how abrupt climate changes affect ecosystems, leading to rapid alterations in habitats.
In biology, some species exhibit abrupt life cycles, such as insects that metamorphose suddenly.

Origin of 'abrupt'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'abruptus', meaning 'broken off' or 'steep'.
In the 14th century, the term began to be used to describe things happening suddenly.
It also connects to the Latin word 'rumpere', which means 'to break', emphasizing the idea of interruption.

The word 'abrupt' originated from the Latin word 'abruptus', meaning broken off or steep. It has been used in the English language since the 16th century. The term evolved to describe sudden or unexpected changes due to its association with steep cliffs and sharp edges. Over time, 'abrupt' has become a common adjective used to depict swift and unforeseen events or behaviors.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,478 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

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8475 directive
8476 frowned
8477 diminishing
8478 abrupt
8479 dispatch
8480 donors
8481 discounts
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