abrupt
adjective | /abrupt/
Essential WordsEASY
sudden and unexpected; curt
abrupt
adjective | /abrupt/
Essential WordsEASYsudden and unexpected; curt
Learning Progress
Synonyms
suddenbluntcurthastyheadlongunexpected
Antonyms
gradualpolitegentle
Examples
"The car made an abrupt stop, and everyone braced forward."
"His abrupt manner sometimes offended colleagues."
Mnemonic Trick
Mnemonic: a + rupt (break) → broken sudden change
Etymology
from Latin abruptus “broken off” (ab- + rumpere “to break”)
Source: Essential WordsAdded: 11/13/2025
Continue Learning
Community Stats
Active Learners55
Words Being Learned146
Words Mastered434
Track Your Progress
Sign up to save your favorite words and track your learning progress across all vocabulary types.