adjective

abrupt

sudden, curt, steep

There was an abrupt change in the weather.

There was an abrupt change in the weather.

His abrupt manner can be off-putting.

His abrupt manner can be off-putting.

The path came to an abrupt drop.

The path came to an abrupt drop.

((adjective)) + ((noun)) Modifies a noun. His abrupt departure surprised everyone.

Synonyms: sudden, unexpected, curt; Antonyms: gradual, smooth, polite

From Latin 'ab-' (away) + 'rumpere' (to break). The core idea is 'broken off', which applies to a sudden change, a rude manner, or a steep cliff.

Imagine a road that just 'breaks off' into a cliff – an abrupt end.

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