compendious
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of compendious
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English word from Latin word compendiōsus. See compendium, -ous
Explanation
The adjective compendious describes texts or speeches that are brief yet packed with useful information, without any filler. If you've ever enjoyed a book summary that saved you hours of reading, you've experienced the beauty of compendious work. When something is short and to the point, giving all the truly essential information, it's compendious. Perfect for fast learners or busy schedules, compendious content is that which cuts to the chase, offering all the critical details without wandering off topic. Whether it's a concise report, a streamlined presentation, or a condensed but comprehensive explanation, something that is compendious contains the facts with none of the fluff.
Vocabulary lists containing compendious
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The genius of Kosky’s singularly musical production is that it magically makes the orchestra itself a compendious magic flute.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 5, 2026
These works don’t attempt to replace the compendious authority of traditional biography but, rather, enter into dialogue with it by reflecting more on some facts in a life and its work than on others.
From New York Times ● Dec. 15, 2021
Nonetheless, astronomers and astrophysicists came together to write a single compendious paper about the event.
From Science Magazine ● Oct. 16, 2017
It may be odd not to find it in this compendious store of resonances .
From The New Yorker ● Oct. 11, 2015
This compendious summary is to serve as a proposition, the proof of which we now purpose to outline.
From The Brothers' War by Reed, John Calvin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
