Words / C1

uh-BRUPT/əˈbrʌpt/

Abrupt is sudden, and often sharp or rude in manner: an abrupt reply, an abrupt change. Sudden is the time word without the rudeness. Steep can describe an abrupt slope. Abruptly is the adverb. Soften an abrupt email with a greeting and a reason.

Meaning

Sudden, and often rather rude or sharp in manner.

Examples

• “His abrupt reply made the meeting end in silence.”
• “The bus came to an abrupt stop at the lights.”
• “Her abrupt goodbye left him unsure what he had done.”

Good to know

an abrupt change/reply. Time only: sudden. Adverb: abruptly.

Near in meaning

sudden

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