brusque

or brusk

[ bruhsk; especially British broosk ]

adjective

1. abrupt in manner; blunt; rough:

   A brusque welcome greeted his unexpected return.

   Synonyms: curt, short, unceremonious

brusque

/ bruːsk; brʊsk; ˈbruːskərɪ /

adjective

1. blunt or curt in manner or speech

Derived Forms

• ˈbrusquely, adverb
• ˈbrusqueness, noun

Other Words From

• brusque·ly adverb
• brusque·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of brusque¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; from Middle French, from Italian brusco “rough, tart,” special use of brusco (noun) “butcher's broom,” from Late Latin brūscum, for Latin rūscus, rūscum, perhaps conflated with unattested Vulgar Latin brūcus “heather” ( brier ² )

Word History and Origins

Origin of brusque¹

C17: from French, from Italian brusco sour, rough, from Medieval Latin bruscus butcher's broom

Synonym Study

See blunt.

Example Sentences

Sumini says the low-key tactics the women use, rather than brusque confrontation, have been effective in getting people to change their habits.

From Seattle Times

“Zarqa” has a madcap urgency to it, partly because the episodes are barely 10 minutes long and partly because of Zarqa, who is brusque and driven and tends to stir up drama.

From New York Times

As always, Reggie was on duty at the check-in desk, and when they reached the door, he greeted them with a brusque, “Shoes!”

From Literature

That attitude has served “Hacks” and its brusque diva Deborah well, not to mention giving Jean Smart the best role of her career.

From Salon

After serving in the army in the occupied West Bank, where he grew increasingly uncomfortable with the brusque way soldiers treated Palestinians, he returned to the kibbutz with new eyes.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• blunt
• gruff
• terse