curt
/kɜːt/adjective
Rudely short in what you say or how you respond, showing impatience or a lack of warmth.
Example sentences
- “Her curt reply made it clear she didn't want to talk.”
- “The manager gave a curt nod and walked out of the room.”
- “I got a curt email telling me the meeting was canceled.”
Common pairings are 'a curt reply', 'a curt tone', and 'a curt nod'. 'Brief' is neutral, while 'curt' suggests coldness or impatience.