curtly

/ˈkɜːtli/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈkɜːrtli/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈkərt-lē/ (ame, mw)

curtly — adverb

1. using very few words and sounding impatient or unfriendly, often because the spe

1.副詞C1
釋義

using very few words and sounding impatient or unfriendly, often because the speaker is annoyed or busy and wants to end the conversation.

例句

When Linh asked about the missing report, her manager replied curtly that it was none of her business.

verb + curtly to describe how someone speaks

Aarav nodded curtly at the waiter and went back to reading his newspaper.

non-verbal action (nodded) modified by curtly

同義詞
  • brusquely

    very close synonym; slightly more formal and emphasises rudeness

  • abruptly

    stresses suddenness more than rudeness; can describe actions, not only speech

  • tersely

    highlights extreme shortness of speech; rudeness is implied but milder

  • sharply

    stresses an angry or critical tone; often louder than curtly

反義詞
  • politely

    the opposite manner: warm, attentive wording

  • warmly

    with friendly feeling, the opposite tone of curtly

用法筆記

Almost always modifies a speaking or reporting verb (say, reply, answer, tell) or a head/hand gesture (nod, wave). Subject is usually a person who is irritated, busy, or trying to end a conversation.

常見錯誤

❌Christopher smiled curtly at the children.
✅Christopher nodded curtly at the children.
💡curtly clashes with friendly actions like smiling or laughing; it pairs with neutral or stern actions.
❌She wrote a curtly letter.
✅She wrote a curt letter.
💡curtly is an adverb; before a noun use the adjective curt.