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

Keep your section concise, use headers to break up content sections, and ensure that each section is between 40 to 50 words.

From Search Engine Watch

Along with his intimate knowledge of offense, he knows how to command a room and deliver a clear, concise message.

From Washington Post

The century-old Sherman and Clayton acts are remarkably spare and concise statutes, which has meant that most antitrust law has been judge-made, based on the precedents laid down in individual cases.

From Washington Post

IT managers were hungry for concise and accessible information and advice.

From Washington Post

The Grassmannian is an example of what mathematicians call a moduli space, meaning it’s a single geometric object that serves as a concise way of keeping track of infinitely many others.

From Quanta Magazine

The sharp and swift fall makes for a concise case study on the impact of reputation on a personal brand.

From The Daily Beast

But on the stand this week, she stuck to a concise version of events.

From The Daily Beast

All commanders will state that my report writing was always clear, concise, and impeccable.

From The Daily Beast

There has never been so concise and definitive a debunking of Kant's categorical imperative.

From The Daily Beast

Jonathan V. Last, in the pages of The Weekly Standard, offers the most compelling and concise apologia for the Empire.

From The Daily Beast

The object of the present work is to offer to the farmer a concise outline of the general principles of Agricultural Chemistry.

From Project Gutenberg

He had an excellent voice, possessed in a high degree the gift of concise and forcible expression, and his every word told.

From Project Gutenberg

"You must be more concise," said Miss Barrington; quietly, and Dane trifled with the hat in his hand.

From Project Gutenberg

You may depend on receiving regular though concise intelligence of my motions.

From Project Gutenberg

Definition is usually too concise to be clear, and needs an added explanation.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• pithy
• succinct
• terse