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theforestecologist
theforestecologist
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Blunt, brusque, curt, and terse -- is there a gradation of connotation here?

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theforestecologist
theforestecologist
  • 624
  • 2
  • 8
  • 19

Blunt, brusque, curt, and terse -- is there a gradation here?

I have two related questions.

  1. Do each of these 4 words have negative connotation regarding intent? (E.g., rudeness, malice, inappropriateness, etc.)

  2. If so, is there a gradation (or scale) of rudeness or negative emotional connotation associated with each?

  • If I wanted to describe myself as someone who responds to questions in a manner that is to the point, short-worded, professional, etc (and not reacting to emotion or demonstrating sympathy), which word would adequately describe myself without carrying negative connotation (since I wouldn't want to associate a negative adjective to myself).

Please provide support for your answer!!

Although this SE question addresses brusque vs. curt and this SE post addresses blunt and brusque, the answers to both questions are mostly contradictory, incomplete, and unsupported.