Word
abruptly
Phoneticsabrupt·ly
US/əˈbɹəptɫi/
UK/ɐbɹˈʌptli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. suddenly and unexpectedly. You use it when something happens quickly and without warning.
adv. in a sudden and unexpected manner; marked by a sharp change in direction, tone, or action.
Examples
“The car stopped abruptly at the red light.”
“The meeting ended abruptly when the manager received an urgent phone call from headquarters.”
“The conversation shifted abruptly from lighthearted banter to serious business, leaving the guests momentarily unsure of how to respond.”
Examples
simple
“The car stopped abruptly at the red light.”
contextual
“The meeting ended abruptly when the manager received an urgent phone call from headquarters.”
complex
“The conversation shifted abruptly from lighthearted banter to serious business, leaving the guests momentarily unsure of how to respond.”
Etymology
From abrupt + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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