Abruptly: meaning, definitions and examples

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abruptly

[əˈbrʌptli ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

suddenly

In an abrupt or sudden manner; without warning or notice.

Synonyms

abrupt, instantly, suddenly, unexpectedly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
abruptly	Use 'abruptly' to describe something that happens quickly and without warning, often interrupting something else. This word can sometimes have a negative connotation, suggesting rudeness or lack of preparation. She abruptly ended the conversation and walked away The car stopped abruptly in the middle of the road
suddenly	'Suddenly' indicates that something happens quickly and unexpectedly. It is commonly used in storytelling and everyday conversation without necessarily having a negative connotation. The lights suddenly went out She suddenly realized she had left her phone at home
unexpectedly	Use 'unexpectedly' to describe events that happen without prior notice or anticipation. This word can be used in both positive and negative contexts. He received an award unexpectedly The storm appeared unexpectedly on the horizon
abrupt	The adjective 'abrupt' describes a sudden change or ending that is often unexpected and can be seen as rude or surprising. His abrupt departure left everyone in shock The meeting came to an abrupt conclusion
instantly	'Instantly' refers to something that occurs immediately, without any delay. This word conveys a sense of immediate action or reaction. He answered the question instantly The medicine worked almost instantly to relieve the pain

Examples of usage

The car came to a stop abruptly.
She ended the conversation abruptly.

^{Context #2 | Adverb}

rudely

In a curt and brusque manner; without politeness or consideration.

Synonyms

brusquely, curtly, rudely.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
abruptly	Use this when describing something that happens suddenly and without warning. It often implies a sense of surprise but not necessarily rudeness. She left the meeting abruptly. The car stopped abruptly.
rudely	Use this to describe behavior or speech that is intentionally offensive or impolite. He rudely interrupted her. They laughed rudely at his mistake.
brusquely	Use this when someone is speaking or acting in a quick and direct manner that might come off as unfriendly or harsh. It implies a lack of politeness. He answered the question brusquely. She dismissed the idea brusquely.
curtly	Use this to describe a manner of speaking that is very brief and often perceived as rude because it lacks the usual niceties. 'No,' he replied curtly. She ended the conversation curtly.

Examples of usage

He spoke to her abruptly, without even looking up from his phone.
She dismissed the idea abruptly.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'abruptus,' meaning 'broken off' or 'steep.'
It was first used in English in the 14th century, often to describe physical features like cliffs.
Over time, the meaning expanded to describe actions or events that happen suddenly.

Literature

Authors often use abrupt transitions in stories to create suspense or surprise for the reader.
In poetry, sudden changes in tone can evoke strong emotions, illustrating the power of suddenness.
Famous writers like Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald used abrupt techniques to convey deeper meanings.

Psychology

Sudden changes in environment can cause stress or anxiety, highlighting the human preference for predictability.
In social interactions, abrupt behavior can be interpreted as rudeness or impatience, affecting relationships.
Research shows that individuals often react more strongly to unexpected events than to gradual changes.

Pop Culture

In movies, abrupt plot twists can leave viewers shocked and engaged, making certain scenes memorable.
Musical compositions sometimes use abrupt changes in rhythm to surprise listeners, showcasing a shift in mood.
Famous scenes in sitcoms often feature abrupt punchlines that catch audiences off guard, emphasizing humor.

Science

In geology, abrupt changes in landscape often indicate significant events, like landslides or volcanic eruptions.
Abrupt climate changes can have dramatic effects on ecosystems, altering species populations rapidly.
The phenomenon of abrupt climate change is studied to understand its impacts on global weather patterns.

Translations

Translations of the word "abruptly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 abruptamente

🇮🇳 अचानक

🇩🇪 plötzlich

🇮🇩 tiba-tiba

🇺🇦 раптово

🇵🇱 nagle

🇯🇵 突然に

🇫🇷 brusquement

🇪🇸 bruscamente

🇹🇷 aniden

🇰🇷 갑자기

🇸🇦 بشكل مفاجئ

🇨🇿 náhle

🇸🇰 náhle

🇨🇳 突然

🇸🇮 nenadoma

🇮🇸 skyndilega

🇰🇿 кенеттен

🇬🇪 უეცრად

🇦🇿 birdən

🇲🇽 bruscamente

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,991 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
6988 ripe
6989 saddle
6990 enumerated
6991 abruptly
6992 patronage
6993 architects
6994 communicating
...