brusque

abrupt

adjective BRUSK Rare

Origin: from Italian brusco

Also means

sudden

Usage Note

Brusque describes a manner that is blunt and lacking in social niceties, or a movement/change that is sudden. Un geste brusque means 'an abrupt gesture'. The adverb brusquement means 'abruptly' or 'suddenly', and the verb brusquer means 'to rush' or 'to treat harshly'.

Examples

"Sa réponse brusque a surpris tout le monde."

Natural Translation

His abrupt reply surprised everyone.

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