ENGLISH
REFERENCE

curt

adj.
C1 Advanced US //ˈkɝt// UK //kˈɜːt// curt Archaic

adj. speaking or acting in a way that is very short and perhaps a bit rude. You use this when someone answers you with very few words because they are annoyed or in a hurry.

adj. rudely brief or abrupt in speech or manner. Often follows a linking verb or precedes a noun describing a verbal response.


SIMPLE

He gave a curt nod and left the room.

CONTEXTUAL

The manager's curt reply to my email suggested she was too busy to discuss the matter further.

COMPLEX

While some interpreted his silence as thoughtful, others found his curt responses during the press conference to be dismissive of the public's concerns.

Synonyms
Usage

Often used to describe speech, replies, or gestures; frequently follows 'be', 'seem', or 'become'.

© 2026 English Reference