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Curtness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ
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curtness

[หˆkษœหrtnษ™s ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in communication

Conciseness in speech or writing; being brief and to the point.

Synonyms

brevity, conciseness, terse.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
curtness

Used when someone speaks in a way that is brief to the point of seeming rude or unfriendly. It often implies a lack of patience or a dismissive attitude.

  • His curtness in response to their questions made everyone uncomfortable.
  • She answered with noticeable curtness, clearly not wanting to discuss the topic further.
conciseness

Ideal for situations requiring clarity and succinctness in expression, especially in formal or academic contexts. It focuses on conveying the necessary meaning with few words.

  • Her report was praised for its clarity and conciseness.
  • Strive for conciseness in your essays to make a stronger impact.
brevity

Appropriate when you want to emphasize the quality of being brief and to the point, especially in writing or speech. It has a neutral or positive connotation.

  • The brevity of his speech was appreciated by the audience.
  • Brevity is often considered a mark of good writing.
terse

Used when the brevity of speech or writing is so extreme that it might seem abrupt or unfriendly. Like curtness, it often carries a somewhat negative connotation.

  • His terse reply left no room for further questions.
  • The email was disappointingly terse and did not provide the needed details.

Examples of usage

  • He was known for the curtness of his replies.
  • Her curtness sometimes came across as rudeness.
Context #2 | Noun

personality trait

Bluntness or rudeness in speech or behavior.

Synonyms

abruptness, bluntness, brusqueness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
curtness

Use this when someone speaks in a short, impolite manner, often sounding rude, typically when they are annoyed or impatient.

  • Her curtness during the meeting was unexpected and made everyone uncomfortable.
  • He answered with curtness when asked about his day.
bluntness

This describes a manner of speaking that is very direct and without trying to be polite or gentle, which can sometimes be considered rude or insensitive.

  • Her bluntness can be off-putting, but at least she's honest.
  • He appreciated his friend's bluntness about his mistakes.
abruptness

This word is suitable when someone's speech or actions are sudden and unexpectedly quick, often causing surprise or confusion due to the lack of smooth transition.

  • His abruptness left everyone in the room startled.
  • The abruptness of her departure made it clear she was upset.
brusqueness

Use this word for describing a way of behaving or speaking that is very short and not particularly polite, often perceived as rude or dismissive.

  • The waiterโ€™s brusqueness bothered the customers.
  • Her brusqueness in conversation makes it hard to connect with her.

Examples of usage

  • His curtness alienated many of his colleagues.
  • The customer was taken aback by the curtness of the salesperson.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • People often perceive curt communication as a sign of impatience or annoyance.
  • Studies show that curt responses can be interpreted as a lack of interest in social interactions, impacting workplace relationships.
  • Individuals who communicate with curtness may struggle with emotional expression and feel overwhelmed in social situations.

Social Etiquette

  • In many cultures, curt responses can be seen as disrespectful, especially in formal settings.
  • Conversational norms suggest that while brevity is appreciated, warmth and politeness are essential in social interactions.
  • Being overly curt may lead to misunderstandings and conflict in both personal and professional relationships.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and shows, characters with curt speech often portray a tough personality, establishing a quick contrast with more expressive characters.
  • Famous literary figures, like the hard-nosed detective, often use curtness to convey authority and decisiveness.
  • Internet communication, such as texting, has led to an increase in curt replies due to time constraints but can sometimes convey rudeness.

Literature

  • Writers may use curtness to reflect a characterโ€™s mood or social status, illustrating a lack of patience or empathy.
  • In several classic novels, characters known for their brevity reveal deeper emotional struggles underneath their curt expressions.
  • The contrast between a curtness of dialogue and detailed narrative can enhance tension and engage readers.

Origin of 'curtness'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'curtness' comes from the Latin word 'curtus', meaning 'short' or 'cut off'.
  • It entered the English language in the early 19th century, evolving to describe brief and blunt speech.
  • Related terms include 'curt', which directly describes a short manner of speaking.

The word 'curtness' originated from the Middle English word 'curteis', meaning 'polite, well-mannered'. Over time, the meaning evolved to include the concept of being concise and to the point. The current usage of 'curtness' reflects both the positive aspect of brevity in communication as well as the negative connotation of bluntness or rudeness.

See also: curtail, curtain, curtly, curtsey, curtsy.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,840, 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.