pithy

[ pith-ee ]

adjective

, pith·i·er, pith·i·est.

1. brief, forceful, and meaningful in expression; full of vigor, substance, or meaning; terse; forcible:

   a pithy observation.

   Synonyms: concise, meaty, pointed, succinct

2. of, like, or abounding in pith.

pithy

/ ˈpɪθɪ /

adjective

1. terse and full of meaning or substance
2. of, resembling, or full of pith

Derived Forms

• ˈpithiness, noun
• ˈpithily, adverb

Other Words From

• pithi·ly adverb
• pithi·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of pithy¹

Middle English word dating back to 1300–50; pith, -y ¹

Example Sentences

The cheek only came at the end of Swift's endorsement, with a pithy "childless cat lady" callback.

From Salon

Presidential debates are remembered for the candidates’ pithy one-liners.

From Los Angeles Times

The pithiest statement on that debacle came from former RNC chairman Michael Steele, who posted on X that while he was often criticized as the chairman, he at least kept his focus on winning elections.

From Salon

It was a pithy, defensive reply, an indication that he probably does think about it.

From Los Angeles Times

“Take Pride in your flex-uality,” read Crunch’s pithy float as it promoted the fitness franchise.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cogent
• concise
• laconic
• succinct
• terse
• trenchant