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

• compendiously adverb
• compendiousness noun
• uncompendious adjective

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

Joyce was well aware of his compendious cast of mind and proud to find it manifest among his children.

From New York Times • Jun. 12, 2018

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

Her new book, How to be a Victorian – sturdy, Beetonian, compendious – has bigger ambitions.

From The Guardian • Jul. 12, 2013

To justify its dominance a single compendious reason is sufficient: it uplifts character as no other training can, and through influence on character it ennobles all methods of teaching and discipline.

From The Teacher Essays and Addresses on Education by Palmer, Alice Freeman