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Word a Day

abrupt

adjective · /əˈbɹʌpt/ · Level 3 · Advanced

What does abrupt mean?

abrupt (adjective): without notice to prepare the mind for the event; sudden; hasty; unceremonious.

Definition: Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.

How do you pronounce abrupt?

/əˈbɹʌpt/ (IPA, American English). The app reads every word aloud.

Where does abrupt come from?

Borrowed from Latin abruptus (“broken off”), perfect passive participle of abrumpō (“break off”), formed from ab (“from, away from”) + rumpō (“to break”).

Etymology: Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Test yourself: do you know “abrupt”?

Tap an answer to check it. The same questions the app asks.

What does “abrupt” mean?

without notice to prepare the mind for the event; sudden; hasty; unceremonious

Right! That's what “abrupt” means.

of or pertaining to a mother; having the characteristics of a mother; motherly

Not quite: that's what maternal means.

of a man or boy: attractively manly, having a pleasing face and overall effect

Not quite: that's what handsome means.

serving to hinder or oppose; adverse, disadvantageous, inconducive, unsuitable

Not quite: that's what unfavorable means.

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