What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
curt
Example
When I asked him for help, he gave me a curt 'no' and walked away. [curt: adjective]
Example
She replied in a curt tone, making it clear she didn't want to talk. [curt: adjective]
terse
Example
His email was terse but informative, giving me all the details I needed. [terse: adjective]
Example
She spoke in a terse manner, getting straight to the point without any unnecessary words. [terse: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Terse is more commonly used than curt in everyday language. Terse is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while curt is less common and has a more negative connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between curt and terse?
Both curt and terse are relatively formal words that are not commonly used in casual conversation. However, curt is typically associated with a more negative and impolite tone, while terse is more neutral and can be used in various formality levels.
