brusque
Using few words in a way that seems rude and unfriendly.
brusque in a sentence
- 'No. Busy. Come back later,' was the shopkeeper's brusque reply.
- The brusque ticket inspector barked 'Tickets!' and moved on without another word.
Try an 11+ style question
Verbal reasoning papers often ask about a word like this.
Which word is closest in meaning to brusque?
- Ablunt
- Bgentle
- Cpolite
- Dfriendly
Show the answer
A: blunt. The other three mean the opposite of brusque.
Which word is most nearly opposite in meaning to brusque?
- Agruff
- Bsnappy
- Cblunt
- Dpolite
Show the answer
D: polite. The other three mean nearly the same as brusque.
Words that mean something similar
blunt, gruff, snappy
Words that mean the opposite
polite, friendly, gentle
More words about behaviour & manners
- cajole: To gently persuade someone by being nice or making promises.
- caution: The care you take to avoid danger or mistakes.
- cautious: Careful to avoid danger or mistakes.
- chaos: A state of complete confusion, where nothing is in order.
- chivalrous: Polite, kind and brave, especially towards people who need help.
- clemency: The mercy a ruler or judge shows by giving a gentler punishment.
- commend: To praise someone for doing something well.
- compel: To force someone to do something.
More words to explore
Sitting the 11+ in Kent, Medway or Buckinghamshire?
Plain-English guides to each test, from the councils’ own pages: Kent Test · Medway Test · Bucks Secondary Transfer Test