Terse

Practice This Word

Brief and to the point; using few words, often in a sharp or brusque manner.

adjective

Terse

Brief and to the point; using few words, often in a sharp or brusque manner.

adjective

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Imagine This

Picture a manager delivering a project update in a single, concise sentence: 'On track; proceed as planned.' No extra adjectives or filler words.

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Sounds Like

Phonetic: /tɜːrs/ (terse). It sounds like the word itself, with a sharp, crisp pronunciation.

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Looks Like

A short, clipped word that visually suggests brevity (five letters: terse).

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Remember This

Terse language is the opposite of verbose; it is often contrasted with laconic style. The word has roots connected to polishing or neatness of expression.

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Other Forms

terseradjective

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Connect With

concise, succinct, laconic, brief, curt

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Note

Terse can come off as brusque or rude if tone is not careful. Use in appropriate formal or technical contexts where brevity is valued; avoid in diplomatic or sensitive communication where warmth matters.

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Study Deeper

Examples

Her terse reply left little room for discussion.
The technician gave a terse set of instructions: 'Plug in, reboot, update.'

Synonyms

concisesuccinctlaconicbriefcurt

Antonyms

verbosewordylong-winded

Etymology

From Latin tersus 'polished, neat', past participle of terere 'to rub, wear down'; via Old French ters or directly into English, giving the sense of language that is clean, polished, and to the point.

Mnemonic

TE RSE: Tightly Expressed, Really Short Explanation.

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Acknowledge

verb

To admit that something is true or real; to recognize the existence, validity, or status of something or someone; and to confirm receipt or awareness of something.