Vocabulary in context
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Laconic
Expressed in only a few words; concise to the point of seeming abrupt.
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Imagine This
The magician sold Calvin a tonic that would boost his literary skills and make him speak more than a few words.
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Sounds Like
luh-KON-ik
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Looks Like
la-con-ic
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Remember This
From Greek Lakonikos, meaning 'of Laconia' (the region of Sparta); Spartans were famous for their terse, laconic speech.
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Other Forms
laconicitynoun
laconicismnoun
laconicizeverb
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Note
Laconic describes brevity of speech, not quality of content. It can carry a slightly negative nuance if the brevity seems curt or unfriendly. Do not confuse with describing lengthy or overly detailed writing.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- Her laconic reply irritated the interviewer.
- The captain issued laconic orders, and the crew sprang into action.
Synonyms
tersesuccinctbriefconcisepithy
Antonyms
verbosewordyprolix
Etymology
From Greek Lakonikos meaning 'of Laconia' (the region of Sparta); associated with the Spartans' famously terse speech.
Mnemonic
LACONIC = Less And Concise, Only Necessary In Conversation.
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Deliberate
verbTo think about, discuss, or decide after careful consideration; to act with intention or premeditation.
Arrogant
adjectiveBehaving in a proud, superior manner; overestimating one’s importance or ability
Heed
verbTo pay attention to something; to notice and consider it, often in order to act on it.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Concise
adjectiveUsing as few words as possible to express an idea clearly; brief and to the point.
Terse
adjectiveBrief and to the point; using few words, often in a sharp or brusque manner.
Abstruse
adjectiveDifficult to understand; obscure or highly complex.
Accidental
adjectiveHappening by chance or without deliberate planning; not intended. In music, it is also a noun for a symbol that temporarily alters a pitch.
Acerbic
adjectiveSharp or biting in tone or taste; caustic or mordant in manner.
Acquiescent
adjectiveReady to agree or approve without protest; compliant.
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