Pronunciation: /ˈkɜːrtnəs/

Definitions of curtness

noun a quality of being brief and abrupt in speech or manner

Example Sentences

A1 She replied with curtness when asked about her plans for the weekend.

A2 The teacher's curtness made the students feel uncomfortable in class.

B1 His curtness in emails often leads to misunderstandings with colleagues.

B2 The manager's curtness in meetings is sometimes mistaken for efficiency.

C1 Her curtness in negotiations helped her close the deal quickly.

C2 The author's writing style is known for its sharp wit and curtness.

Examples of curtness in a Sentence

formal Her response was delivered with such curtness that it left everyone in the room feeling uneasy.

informal I don't appreciate the curtness in his tone when he talks to me.

slang She hit him with some serious curtness when he tried to flirt with her.

figurative The curtness of his actions spoke volumes about his true feelings towards the project.

Grammatical Forms of curtness

past tense

curtnessed

plural

curtnesses

comparative

more curt

superlative

most curt

present tense

is curt

future tense

will be curt

perfect tense

has been curt

continuous tense

is being curt

singular

curtness

positive degree

curt

infinitive

to be curt

gerund

being curt

participle

curtailing

Origin and Evolution of curtness

First Known Use: 1250 year
Language of Origin: Middle English
Story behind the word: The word 'curtness' originated from the Middle English word 'curt' which meant short or brief.
Evolution of the word: Over time, 'curtness' evolved to refer to being rudely brief or abrupt in speech or manner.