brusque

Or brusk

[bruhsk, broosk]

adjective

1. abrupt in manner; blunt; rough.

   A brusque welcome greeted his unexpected return.

   Synonyms: curt, short, unceremonious

brusque

/ bruːsk, brʊsk, ˈbruːskərɪ /

adjective

1. blunt or curt in manner or speech

Other Word Forms

• brusquely adverb
• brusqueness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of brusque¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; from Middle French, from Italian brusco “rough, tart,” special use of brusco (noun) “butcher's broom,” from Late Latin brūscum, for Latin rūscus, rūscum, perhaps conflated with unattested Vulgar Latin brūcus “heather” ( brier ² )

Word History and Origins

Origin of brusque¹

C17: from French, from Italian brusco sour, rough, from Medieval Latin bruscus butcher's broom

Synonym Study

See blunt.

Example Sentences

Some have attributed this to his brusque, sometimes confrontational demeanor, others to classist prejudice.

From Los Angeles Times

Art from ancient Thrace is often flashy and brusque, as befits a warrior tribe.

From Los Angeles Times

He relates to Winnifred as both pal and prospective bedmate, and as their bond intensifies, his slightly weird familiarity with one of the male servants grows more brusque.

From Los Angeles Times

Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin, who ran against her for mayor as an old-school progressive, said she could be uncompromising and brusque in policy deliberations.

From Los Angeles Times

Sumini says the low-key tactics the women use, rather than brusque confrontation, have been effective in getting people to change their habits.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• blunt 
• gruff 
• terse