Word
curtail
Phoneticscur·tail, stress on the second syllable
US/kɝˈteɪɫ/
UK/kɜːtˈeɪl/
Definition
v. to make something shorter or smaller, especially by cutting off a part of it. In architecture, it means to cut back a wall or a structure to make it shorter.
v. to shorten or reduce in size, extent, or duration. In an architectural context, it refers to the act of cutting back a wall or structural element to a specific height or length.
Examples
“The architect decided to curtail the height of the building.”
“To create a more open floor plan, the builders had to curtail the original stone wall at the first floor.”
“The restoration project required the careful curtailment of the original timber frame to match the proportions of the surrounding medieval structures without compromising the building's structural integrity.”
Examples
simple
“The architect decided to curtail the height of the building.”
contextual
“To create a more open floor plan, the builders had to curtail the original stone wall at the first floor.”
complex
“The restoration project required the careful curtailment of the original timber frame to match the proportions of the surrounding medieval structures without compromising the building's structural integrity.”
Real-World Examples
“President Trump wants to curtail military exercises with South Korea, saying they were hostile to North Korea.” “President Trump’s decision to curtail the military exercises came as allies question the U.S.” Etymology
Alteration of curtal, from Old French courtault (“which has been shortened”), itself from court (“short”) (from Latin curtus) + -ault
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/curtail