Advanced and Proficiency Vocabulary for Exams(e.g.GRE, Banks, Civil Services, SAT / LSAT). For IELTS/TOEFL, and everyday spoken vocabulary, go to our Spoken Vocabulary Database.
rudely abrupt
- How to Memorize
- terse - abrupt
- Analysis
If you are ‘terse’ then you use few words, typically in a way that is rude or unfriendly. Such a response is usually given when annoyed or irritated, and can often be the catalyst for a falling out or argument.
- Synonym
- Antonym
- Example(s)
The politician issued a terse statement denying all the allegations and threatening legal action against those who reported the story.
I offered Gary some help, but he tersely told me to leave him alone. That’s the last time I try to do him a favour!
I asked Jane why she was late and was surprised by the terseness of her response. I didn’t expect her to be so rude about it.
