tersely

[turs-lee]

adverb

1. in an effectively concise manner; succinctly.

   This phenomenally prolific creator of tersely plotted psychological thrillers deserves to be on your bookshelves.

   The ordinance fulfills the tersely and clearly worded language of the city's comprehensive plan.

2. in an abruptly concise manner; brusquely.

   “Maybe that's my business,” replied the girl tersely as she turned away.

Other Word Forms

• untersely adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of tersely¹

terse ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

In contrast to the enthusiasm many displayed, Newsom responded tersely with a text message: “Hiking. Will call back.”

From Los Angeles Times

The manager insults Kier in kind, who tersely thanks him for the "feedback," referring to him as "Seth" before shutting down.

From Salon

When asked if he still had confidence in his Senate counterpart, he tersely replied: "Next question."

From BBC

He has replied, tersely, that he’s received their messages.

From Los Angeles Times

He responded tersely to a defendant’s attorney who argued that the current system had been in place for 100 years.

From Seattle Times