Brusqueness

Brusqueness is a characteristic of being abrupt, curt, and often somewhat rude in manner or speech. It conveys a lack of warmth, friendliness, or patience, and can sometimes be perceived as dismissive or impolite. It stems from a bluntness of expression, a disinclination for social niceties, and a tendency to get straight to the point without consideration for the feelings of others. It can manifest in short, sharp answers, abrupt changes in tone, or a general sense of impatience. Often, it arises from stress, a lack of social grace, or a deliberate attempt to be efficient, but it can unintentionally offend those on the receiving end. The severity of brusqueness can vary, ranging from a mildly curt demeanor to a severely hostile one.

Brusqueness meaning with examples

• The doctor's brusqueness during the consultation left the patient feeling intimidated and unheard. He cut off her questions with short, dismissive responses, providing only brief, technical explanations without any bedside manner. This abruptness contrasted sharply with the compassionate care she had anticipated, leaving her feeling anxious about her health concerns. The doctor's focus on efficiency came at the expense of the patient's comfort and understanding.
• Her brusqueness was a defense mechanism, masking her insecurity. When confronted with personal questions, she would respond with terse, evasive answers, abruptly changing the subject. This abruptness, while initially off-putting, was her way of maintaining emotional distance, a shield she used to protect herself from potential vulnerability and rejection, though it also prevented deeper connections.
• The shopkeeper's brusqueness put off potential customers. His curt dismissals and lack of interest in assisting shoppers made them seek business elsewhere. His impatience with even the simplest requests created a negative shopping environment, illustrating how his brusqueness undermined his business success through poor customer service.
• Despite the urgency, the official's brusqueness when relaying the critical information was shocking. Instead of expressing empathy or concern, his message arrived devoid of emotion or supportive tone. His words lacked any warmth, his delivery was cold, and the abruptness of the notification felt jarring to the recipients of the information.