curt

¹

[ kurt ]

adjective

, curt·er, curt·est.

1. rudely brief in speech or abrupt in manner.

   Synonyms: sharp, snappish

2. brief; concise; terse; laconic.
3. short; shortened.

   Synonyms: abbreviated

Curt

²

[ kurt ]

noun

1. a male given name, form of Curtis.

curt

/ kɜːt /

adjective

1. rudely blunt and brief; abrupt

   a curt reply

2. short or concise

Derived Forms

• ˈcurtly, adverb
• ˈcurtness, noun

Other Words From

• curt·ly adverb
• curt·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of curt¹

First recorded in 1620–30, curt is from the Latin word curtus “shortened, short, cut short”

Word History and Origins

Origin of curt¹

C17: from Latin curtus cut short, mutilated

Synonym Study

See blunt.

Example Sentences

While Howie Long, Jay Glazer, Curt Menefee, Terry Bradshaw, Jimmy Johnson and Rob Gronkowski placed their hands over their hearts, Strahan had his arms draped in front of him with one hand over the other.

From Los Angeles Times

As the song played, the Fox cameras briefly showed the studio crew members, with Strahan standing to the far left of co-hosts Howie Long, Jay Glazer, Curt Menefee, Terry Bradshaw, Jimmy Johnson and Rob Gronkowski.

From Los Angeles Times

His response was quick, curt, and struck through with confused Republican talking points that have been blanketing our swing-state media and the Trump campaign at large.

From Slate

Curt Garner, chief customer and technology officer at Chipotle, said the restaurant chain tested out Miso’s tortilla chip-making robot in one Orange County location from 2021 to 2023.

From Los Angeles Times

"Yes," was Ten Hag’s curt reply.

From BBC

Related Words

• blunt
• brusque
• concise
• offhand
• pithy
• succinct
• terse