Abruptness: meaning, definitions and examples

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abruptness

[əˈbrʌptnəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in behavior

The quality of being sudden or unexpected in an unpleasant way.

Synonyms

bluntness, curtness, rudeness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
abruptness	Used to describe a sudden or unexpected change in manner or speech, which can be startling or surprising. His abruptness in ending the meeting caught everyone off guard. She was taken aback by the abruptness of his refusal.
rudeness	Used when someone is intentionally disrespectful or inconsiderate in their speech or actions. This always has a negative connotation. His rudeness towards the waiter was unacceptable. The comment was met with rudeness and hostility.
bluntness	Refers to speaking in a straightforward and honest manner, sometimes without considering the feelings of others. This can sometimes have a negative connotation depending on the situation. Her bluntness in pointing out his mistakes made him feel embarrassed. He appreciated her bluntness as it left no room for misunderstandings.
curtness	Describes speech that is brief and to the point, often to the extent of seeming rude or unfriendly. His curtness during the conversation made it clear he was in a hurry. She responded with curt answers, indicating her impatience.

Examples of usage

His abruptness in the meeting offended many colleagues.
She was taken aback by the abruptness of his departure.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in speech

The quality of being brief and to the point, sometimes in a way that may seem rude.

Synonyms

brusqueness, conciseness, terse-ness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
abruptness	Use this when referring to someone or something that is sudden and unexpected. It might give a sense of rudeness or lack of smoothness. The abruptness of his departure surprised everyone at the party. Her abruptness in handling the situation left others feeling uneasy.
conciseness	Ideal for situations where precision and brevity are valued. It implies delivering information in a clear, straightforward manner without unnecessary details. The conciseness of the report made it easy to understand the key points. Her conciseness during the presentation helped to convey the message effectively.
terse-ness	This word is useful when emphasizing that something or someone is brief and to the point, often in a way that might seem unfriendly or rude. His terse-ness in emails sometimes comes across as unfriendly. She was known for her terse-ness, preferring not to engage in small talk.
brusqueness	This word is suitable when describing someone who is blunt or curt in manner, often bordering on rude or impatient. His brusqueness put off many of his colleagues. You could sense the irritation in her brusqueness as she answered the questions.

Examples of usage

His abruptness in his speech made it difficult for others to engage in conversation with him.
Her abruptness can be mistaken for lack of interest.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'abruptus', meaning 'broken off' or 'sudden'.
It has roots that imply a sharp edge or a quick change, reflecting the suddenness it describes.

Psychology

Abruptness in communication can lead to misunderstandings, as sudden changes can confuse listeners.
People often react more strongly to abrupt changes due to heightened emotional responses, triggering stress or anxiety.

Literature

Abruptness is often used in storytelling to create tension or surprise, emphasizing a character's emotional state.
Authors may employ abrupt transitions in narratives to reflect the chaotic nature of life's events.

Communication

In conversation, being abrupt can be perceived as rude or dismissive, affecting relationships.
Effective communicators often strive to balance clarity and tact, avoiding abruptness to foster understanding.

Nature

In nature, abrupt changes can occur suddenly, such as a steep drop in land or rapid weather shifts affecting the environment.
Certain phenomena, like earthquakes, exemplify abruptness with their unexpected onset and significant impact.

Translations

Translations of the word "abruptness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 abrupto

🇮🇳 अचानकपन

🇩🇪 Abruptheit

🇮🇩 keterkejutan

🇺🇦 різкість

🇵🇱 nagłość

🇯🇵 突然

🇫🇷 brusquerie

🇪🇸 abrupto

🇹🇷 ani

🇰🇷 갑작스러움

🇸🇦 مفاجأة

🇨🇿 náhlost

🇸🇰 náhlosť

🇨🇳 突然

🇸🇮 nenadnost

🇮🇸 skyndileiki

🇰🇿 күтпегендік

🇬🇪 უეცრობა

🇦🇿 ani

🇲🇽 abrupto

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,815, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
27812 allotting
27813 maelstrom
27814 ergonomic
27815 abruptness
27816 loner
27817 reassessed
27818 glottal
...