abrupt

IPA/əˈbrʌpt/
KK[əbrˈʌpt]IPA/əˈbrʌpt/

abrupt — adjective

  • abruptpositive
  • more abruptcomparative
  • most abruptsuperlative

1. happening quickly and without any warning, often in a way that causes surprise o

1.形容詞B2
釋義

happening quickly and without any warning, often in a way that causes surprise or discomfort.

例句

The meeting came to an abrupt end when the fire alarm went off.

collocation: abrupt end

Wei noticed an abrupt change in his mother's health after the operation.

collocation: abrupt change

同義詞
  • sudden

    more neutral; can be positive or negative

  • unexpected

    focuses on surprise rather than speed

  • swift

    emphasizes speed, not necessarily unpleasant

  • sharp

    used for changes in direction or quantity

反義詞
  • gradual

    happening slowly over time

  • slow

    taking a long time

文法句型

abrupt + noun

be + abrupt

用法筆記

Usually describes events, changes, or movements. Frequently paired with nouns like 'end', 'change', 'halt', 'departure', and 'shift'.

常見錯誤

❌The movie was abrupt.
✅The movie had an abrupt ending.
💡abrupt describes the event (the ending), not the movie as a whole.
❌There was an abrupt increase of prices.
✅There was an abrupt increase in prices.
💡use 'in', not 'of', after 'abrupt increase/change/drop'.

2. speaking in a very short and direct way, so that you seem rude or unfriendly to

2.形容詞B2
釋義

speaking in a very short and direct way, so that you seem rude or unfriendly to others.

例句

The receptionist was so abrupt that Amina decided to speak to the manager instead.

predicative use: be + abrupt

Diego's abrupt reply made it clear that he did not want to continue the argument.

collocation: abrupt reply

同義詞
  • curt

    very similar; focuses on using few words

  • brusque

    similar, but may be less intentionally rude

  • blunt

    honest in a direct way that may offend

  • short

    informal; speaking with few words and little patience

反義詞
  • polite

    showing good manners and respect

  • friendly

    warm and pleasant in manner

文法句型

abrupt + noun

be + abrupt

be abrupt with + person

用法筆記

Often used with 'with' to specify who is being treated rudely ('abrupt with someone'). Frequently paired with nouns like 'reply', 'tone', 'manner', and 'answer'.

常見錯誤

❌He spoke abrupt to the customer.
✅He was abrupt with the customer.
💡abrupt is an adjective, not an adverb. Use 'abruptly' for the adverb form.