compendious

American  

[kuhm-pen-dee-uhs] / kəmˈpɛn di əs /

adjective

1. of or like a compendium; containing the substance of a subject, often an exclusive subject, in a brief form; concise.

   a compendious history of the world.

   Synonyms:

   packed, succinct, comprehensive, summary

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compendious British  

/ kəmˈpɛndɪəs /

adjective

1. containing or stating the essentials of a subject in a concise form; succinct

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• uncompendious
  adjective
• compendiously
  adverb
• compendiousness
  noun

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.

Example Sentences

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

Sony’s new set is one of the most compendious efforts at archival excavation that the major labels have yet offered.

From New York Times • Jun. 18, 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

"A trifle,--a trifle," said Capriani taking a compendious map of Bohemia out of his pocket and spreading it out upon the table between Oswald and himself.

From 'Gloria Victis!' A Romance by Schubin, Ossip