concise

[ kuhn-sahys ]

adjective

1. expressing or covering much in few words; brief in form but comprehensive in scope; succinct; terse:

   a concise explanation of the company's retirement plan.

   Synonyms: laconic, compendious, pithy

concise

/ kənˈsaɪs /

adjective

1. expressing much in few words; brief and to the point

Derived Forms

• conˈciseness, noun
• conˈcisely, adverb

Other Words From

• con·cise·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of concise¹

First recorded in 1580–90; from Latin concīsus “cut short” (past participle of concīdere ), equivalent to con- con- + -cīd- (combining form of caedere “to cut”) + -tus past participle ending

Word History and Origins

Origin of concise¹

C16: from Latin concīsus cut up, cut short, from concīdere to cut to pieces, from caedere to cut, strike down

Synonym Study

Concise, succinct, terse all refer to speech or writing that uses few words to say much. Concise usually implies that unnecessary details or verbiage have been eliminated from a more wordy statement: a concise summary of the speech. Succinct, on the other hand, implies that the message is as originally composed and is expressed in as few words as possible: a succinct statement of the problem. Terse sometimes suggests brevity combined with wit or polish to produce particularly effective expression: a terse, almost aphoristic, style. It may also suggest brusqueness or curtness: a terse reply that was almost rude.

Example Sentences

When they called to reschedule, a campaign official reportedly gave them a concise explanation: the former president was "exhausted."

From Salon

In a very concise way, I can tell you that I started working in England for two and a half years, then Melbourne in Australia.

From Salon

Many candidates employ a similar strategy, and by now Harris should have more concise answers to offer.

From Salon

One of the things that a film like this really can do is it can put that concise argument down together, right beside the evidence.

From Salon

In my music, I tend to be a bit more concise and straight to the point; I would expand a bit more if I was writing a short story or a novel.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• pithy
• succinct
• terse