Dictionary
brusque
adjective \ˈbrəsk\
: talking or behaving in a very direct, brief, and unfriendly way
Full Definition of BRUSQUE
1
: markedly short and abrupt
2
: blunt in manner or speech often to the point of ungracious harshness
— brusque·ly adverb
— brusque·ness noun
See brusque defined for English-language learners
See brusque defined for kids
Variants of BRUSQUE
brusque also brusk \ˈbrəsk\
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of BRUSQUE
French brusque, from Italian brusco, from Medieval Latin bruscus butcher's-broom (plant with bristly twigs)
First Known Use: 1651
Related to BRUSQUE
- Synonyms
- abrupt, bluff, blunt (also brusk), crusty, curt, downright, short, short-spoken, snippy, unceremonious
- Antonyms
- circuitous, mealymouthed
Synonym Discussion of BRUSQUE
bluff, blunt, brusque, curt, crusty, gruff mean abrupt and unceremonious in speech and manner. bluff connotes good-natured outspokenness and unconventionality <a bluff manner>. blunt suggests directness of expression in disregard of others' feelings <a blunt appraisal>. brusque applies to a sharpness or ungraciousness <a brusque response>. curt implies disconcerting shortness or rude conciseness <a curt command>. crusty suggests a harsh or surly manner sometimes concealing an inner kindliness <a crusty exterior>. gruff suggests a hoarse or husky speech which may imply bad temper but more often implies embarrassment or shyness <puts on a gruff pose>.
BRUSQUELY Defined for Kids
brusque
adjective \ˈbrəsk\
Definition of BRUSQUE for Kids
: so abrupt and frank in manner or speech as to be impolite <a brusque doctor> <a brusque reply>
— brusque·ly adjective
— brusque·ness noun
Learn More About BRUSQUE
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: brusqueriePrevious Word in the Dictionary: brushy All Words Near: brusque
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up brusque? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).