Tartly/ˈtɑːrtli/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Tone Used to express irritation or annoyance in response to something. He tartly remarked that it was none of her business. Pro Tip 2/3Impolite Context Considered rude or impolite; use carefully to avoid offending others. When she tartly told him to leave, everyone gasped. Pro Tip 3/3Conversational Clarity Helps clarify that someone's words have a critical undercurrent, not kindness. She asked tartly why he was late again.