# curt

/ˈkɝt/ (US) · /kˈɜːt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/curt
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

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.

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

## Examples

- He gave a curt nod and left the room.
- The manager's curt reply to my email suggested she was too busy to discuss the matter further.
- While some interpreted his silence as thoughtful, others found his curt responses during the press conference to be dismissive of the public's concerns.

## Usage notes

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

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.