Brusque: meaning, definitions and examples

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brusque

[brʌsk ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

in communication

marked by rude or curt manners; abrupt; blunt

Synonyms

abrupt, abrupt, blunt, curt, gruff.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
brusque	This word is used to describe someone who is very direct and straightforward, often to the point of being rude or unfriendly. The manager gave a brusque reply to the employee's question. Her brusque manner can sometimes be off-putting.
abrupt	Describes sudden or unexpected actions or speech, often in a way that shows a lack of preparation or politeness. His speech ended with an abrupt conclusion. She made an abrupt change in the subject.
blunt	Indicates someone who speaks in a very honest and straightforward manner, sometimes to the point of being hurtful or tactless. He was very blunt about his feelings on the matter. Her blunt criticism upset many people.
curt	Used to describe speech that is terse and noticeably lacking in courtesy, often to the point of being rude. She answered his questions in a curt tone. The email he sent was surprisingly curt.
gruff	Refers to a voice or manner that is rough, stern, and often unfriendly. The old man spoke in a gruff voice. Despite his gruff exterior, he has a kind heart.

Examples of usage

He gave a brusque reply to her question.
The brusque tone of his voice made everyone uncomfortable.
Don't be so brusque with your coworkers.

^{Context #2 | Adverb}

in behavior

abrupt or offhand in speech or manner

Synonyms

abruptly, bluntly, curtly, gruffly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
brusque	Brusque can be used to describe speech or behavior that is very direct and often comes across as rude or dismissive. Her brusque reply made it clear that she was not interested in further conversation
abruptly	Abruptly is used to describe an action or behavior that happens suddenly and unexpectedly, often without explanation. He left the meeting abruptly, leaving everyone confused
curtly	Curtly is used when someone speaks or responds in a way that is brief, direct, and can seem rude due to its brevity. When asked if he was coming to the party, he curtly replied, 'No '
bluntly	Bluntly describes speaking in a way that is very direct and straightforward, without any attempt to be polite or gentle. She told him bluntly that his work was not good enough
gruffly	Gruffly describes a way of speaking that is rough or unfriendly, typically in a deep voice, and suggests annoyance or irritation. The old man answered gruffly, 'What do you want?'

Examples of usage

He spoke brusquely to the waiter.
She answered brusquely, not bothering to look up.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'brusque' comes from the French word 'brusque,' meaning 'rough' or 'sudden.'
Its roots can be traced back to the Latin word 'bruscus,' which also implies being rough or harsh.
The term has been used in English since the early 19th century.

Communication

Brusque communication often leads to misunderstandings, as the blunt delivery can be perceived as unkind or dismissive.
Some studies show that people who are brusque may actually be feeling stressed or overwhelmed.
Conversely, a brusque style can sometimes convey confidence and decisiveness.

Literature

Brusque characters often appear in literature to show contrast with more gentle personalities, highlighting their differences.
In drama, brusque speech can build tension between characters or signify a power dynamic.
Classic works, such as those by Shakespeare, frequently feature characters whose brusque mannerisms reveal hidden motivations or emotions.

Psychology

Individuals displaying brusque behavior might be perceived as more assertive, which can affect how they’re approached by others.
Research indicates that cultural backgrounds can influence how brusqueness is interpreted; what is seen as direct in one culture may be deemed offensive in another.
People often exhibit brusque behavior when they feel their time is being wasted, reflecting frustration.

Pop Culture

Many film and television characters are depicted with brusque personalities, often to highlight their no-nonsense attitude.
The persona of a 'brusque hero' can add depth to a narrative, making character development more interesting.
Brusque interactions in popular media can create memorable quotes or scenes, often using humor to offset the rudeness.

Translations

Translations of the word "brusque" in other languages:

🇵🇹 brusco

🇮🇳 रूखा

🇩🇪 schroff

🇮🇩 kasar

🇺🇦 різкий

🇵🇱 szorstki

🇯🇵 ぶっきらぼう

🇫🇷 brusque

🇪🇸 brusco

🇹🇷 sert

🇰🇷 무뚝뚝한

🇸🇦 فظ

🇨🇿 strohý

🇸🇰 strohý

🇨🇳 唐突

🇸🇮 ostro

🇮🇸 bráður

🇰🇿 дөрекі

🇬🇪 უხეში

🇦🇿 kobud

🇲🇽 brusco

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,406, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
26403 seamstress
26404 healthiest
26405 blob
26406 brusque
26407 interlinked
26408 disown
26409 weeded
...