Brusqueness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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brusqueness

[หˆbrสŒskwษชnษชs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in communication

The quality of being brusque; abrupt or offhand in speech or manner. Brusqueness is often perceived as a lack of politeness or consideration.

Synonyms

abruptness, bluntness, curtness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
brusqueness

Used to describe behavior that is noticeably short and a bit harsh, often perceived as rude or impolite.

  • His brusqueness in meetings often offends his colleagues.
  • She answered my question with a brusqueness that took me aback.
bluntness

Describes a way of speaking that is very straightforward and lacking in tact, often uncomfortable but honest.

  • His bluntness offended some, but others appreciated his honesty.
  • With bluntness, she told him exactly what she thought of his idea.
abruptness

Refers to sudden and unexpected actions or words, typically lacking smoothness and possibly seeming shocking or surprising.

  • The abruptness of his departure left everyone stunned.
  • Her abruptness when changing topics made the conversation awkward.
curtness

Indicates a very short and sometimes rude manner of speaking, often cutting off further conversation.

  • Her curtness when answering my questions made me feel unwelcome.
  • The curtness of his reply suggested he was not interested in the discussion.

Examples of usage

  • She was taken aback by the brusqueness of his reply.
  • His brusqueness often alienated his colleagues at work.
Context #2 | Noun

in behavior

The quality of being blunt or curt in action or behavior. Brusqueness can sometimes be a defense mechanism or a result of impatience.

Synonyms

abruptness, curtness, rudeness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
brusqueness

Often used when referring to a manner of speaking that is noticeably brief and dismissive, but not necessarily intended to offend.

  • His brusqueness can be off-putting, but he's just efficient with his words
rudeness

Used when describing behavior or speech that is intentionally disrespectful or offensive.

  • His rudeness to the waiter was unacceptable and embarrassing
abruptness

Used when describing a sudden and unexpected manner, often implying a lack of smoothness or continuity in conversation or behavior.

  • Her abruptness in changing the topic surprised everyone at the meeting
curtness

Implies a manner of speaking that is very brief and often perceived as slightly rude or unfriendly.

  • He answered with such curtness that it was clear he didn't want to talk

Examples of usage

  • Her brusqueness in handling the situation surprised everyone.
  • I try not to take offense at his brusqueness, knowing it's just his way of dealing with stress.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • People who exhibit brusqueness may be perceived as more assertive, sometimes masking insecurities.
  • Brusque communication can lead to misunderstandings, as the sharp tone might suggest anger or impatience.
  • Research suggests that non-verbal cues are crucial in interpreting brusque remarks; facial expressions can soften or harden the impact.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Different cultures interpret brusqueness in varied ways; some may see it as honesty while others view it as disrespect.
  • In certain business environments, a brusque style can be mistaken for efficiency, enhancing perceptions of competence.
  • Conversely, in cultures that value politeness, brusqueness might cause interpersonal conflict, affecting teamwork.

Literature and Art

  • Many authors use brusqueness to develop characters: a brusque leader might represent a strong but unapproachable figure.
  • In theater, brusque lines can create tension, revealing deeper emotions hidden beneath the surface.
  • Artistic depictions of brusqueness often emphasize stark contrastsโ€”sharp lines or bold colorsโ€”to mirror the abruptness in behavior.

Social Situations

  • Brusqueness is often more common in fast-paced environments, like bustling cities, where people rush and communicate quickly.
  • It can sometimes be used strategically in negotiations or debates to assert dominance or control the conversation.
  • Knowing when to soften brusque communication is key to maintaining healthy relationships in both personal and professional settings.

Origin of 'brusqueness'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the French word 'brusque,' meaning 'rough' or 'sudden.'
  • It entered English in the 18th century, carrying the same meaning of being short or abrupt in manner.
  • The root can be traced back to the Latin word 'bruscus,' also implying a rough or harsh quality.

The word brusqueness originated from the French word 'brusque', which means abrupt or blunt. It first appeared in the English language in the early 17th century. The concept of brusqueness has been associated with directness and lack of elaboration in communication. Over time, it has evolved to encompass a sense of abruptness or impatience in behavior. The term has been used to describe individuals who prefer brevity over pleasantries, often leading to misunderstandings or perceived rudeness.


See also: brusquely.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,657, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.