Word Adverb
abruptly
adv.
manner
B1 Intermediate US /əˈbɹəptɫi/ UK /ɐbɹˈʌptli/ abrupt·ly
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.”
Etymology
From abrupt + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated