What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
brusquely
Example
He answered brusquely, not bothering to hide his annoyance. [brusquely: adverb]
Example
She brusquely dismissed their suggestions without giving them a chance to explain. [brusquely: adverb]
curtly
Example
He replied curtly, not bothering to make eye contact. [curtly: adverb]
Example
She spoke curtly, making it clear that she didn't want to continue the conversation. [curtly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Curtly is more commonly used than brusquely in everyday language. Curtly is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while brusquely is less common and may be used in more specific situations where a stronger emphasis on bluntness is required.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between brusquely and curtly?
Both brusquely and curtly are generally associated with informal or neutral tones. However, brusquely can sometimes be perceived as more informal or even rude, depending on the context and the relationship between the speakers.
