German Conversation · Level 18
90 words
German word
abrupt
Pronunciation
IPA/apˈʁʊpt/
Meaning
- adjectiveabrupt
Example
Das Gespräch hatte ein abruptes Ende.
The conversation came to an abrupt end.
More examples
Ein abrupter Wechsel der Temperatur überraschte die Meteorologen.
An abrupt change in temperature surprised the meteorologists.
Core concept
A smooth line suddenly broken by a hard edge, as in a sharp ending, change, or manner of speaking.
Common phrases
ein abrupter Wechsel
an abrupt change
eine abrupte Reaktion
an abrupt reaction
ein abrupter Stopp
an abrupt stop
Similar words
plötzlich: Occurring suddenly rather than gradually.
unvermittelt: Occurring suddenly, with no prior sign or smooth connection.
schroff: Unfriendly and harsh in manner or expression.
barsch: Curt and sharp in a way that sounds harsh.
Definition in German
Kurz und plötzlich im Ausdruck oder Verhalten auftretend und dabei oft unvermittelt oder schroff wirkend.
Word origin
The German adjective was borrowed from Latin abruptus, formed from ab- meaning away and rumpere meaning to break.
Usage tips
- As an attributive adjective, abrupt takes the normal German ending, as in ein abruptes Ende and der abrupte Wechsel.
Other meanings
- suddenadjective
- unexpectedadjective
Opposites
- stetigsteadyadjective
- graduellgradualadjective
Related words
- Abruptheitabruptnessnoun