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Abrupt vs Aback - What's the difference?

abrupt | aback |

In obsolete|lang=en terms the difference between abrupt and aback

is that abrupt is (obsolete) broken off while aback is (obsolete) an abacus.

In archaic|lang=en terms the difference between abrupt and aback

is that abrupt is (archaic) to tear off or asunder while aback is (archaic) in the rear; a distance behind .

As nouns the difference between abrupt and aback

is that abrupt is (poetic) something which is ; an abyss while aback is (obsolete) an abacus.

As an adjective abrupt

is (obsolete|rare) broken away (from restraint) .

As a verb abrupt

is (archaic) to tear off or asunder .

As an adverb aback is

(archaic) towards the back or rear; backwards .

abrupt

English

Adjective

(en-adj)
  • (obsolete, rare) Broken away (from restraint).
  • Without notice to prepare the mind for the event; sudden; hasty; unceremonious.
    • The party came to an abrupt end when the parents of our host arrived.
  • * (rfdate) (William Shakespeare), Henry VI Part I, II-iii
    • The cause of your abrupt departure.
  • Curt in manner; brusque; rude; uncivil; impolite.
  • Having sudden transitions from one subject or state to another; unconnected; disjointed.
  • * (rfdate) (Ben Jonson)
    • The abrupt style, which hath many breaches.
  • (obsolete) Broken off.
  • Extremely steep or craggy as if broken up; precipitous.
  • * (rfdate) (Thomson)
    • Tumbling through ricks abrupt .
  • (botany) Suddenly terminating, as if cut off; truncate.
    • (Gray)

    Synonyms

    * (precipitous) broken, rough, rugged * (without time to prepare) brusque, sudden * (uncivil)blunt, brusque * (without transition) disconnected, unexpected

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • (archaic) To tear off or asunder.
  • * (rfdate) Sir T. (Browne)
    • Till death abrupts them.
  • To interrupt suddenly.

    • Noun

    (en noun)
  • (poetic) Something which is ; an abyss.
  • * (rfdate) (Milton)
    • Over the vast abrupt .

    References

    ----

    aback

    English

    Etymology 1

    * From (etyl) . * . Compare West Frisian .

    Adverb

    (-)
  • (archaic) Towards the back or rear; backwards.
  • * (rfdate),
    • Therewith aback she started.
  • (archaic) In the rear; a distance behind.
    • (Knolles)
  • By surprise; startled; dumbfounded.
  • (nautical) Backward against the mast; said of the sails when pressed by the wind from the "wrong" (forward) side, or of a ship when its sails are set that way.
    • By setting the foresail aback and the headsail in the middle one can bring a fore-and-aft rigged sailing boat practically to a halt even in heavy wind.
    (Totten)
    Usage notes
    * (by surprise) Preceded by a form of the word take .

    See also

    *

    Etymology 2

    From abacus.

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (obsolete) An abacus.
    • (Ben Jonson)

    References