laconic
[luh-kon-ik]
- using few words; expressing much in few words; concise: a laconic reply.
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Origin of laconic
Synonyms
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Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for laconic
Contemporary Examples
She is laconic, matter of fact, and frequently speaks in “life is a journey”-type metaphors and aphorisms—all part of her charm.
J.J. Cale, 74 No one has ever pared a song down to its essentials better than this laconic Oklahoma composer and performer.
The Deaths You Missed This YearMalcolm Jones, Jimmy So, Michael Moynihan, Caitlin Dickson
December 30, 2013
In an unfinished high-rise in the middle of Caracas, a laconic, cynical "doctor" operates on his new patient.
Damian Lewis Spills On ‘Homeland’s’ Shocking Plot Twist and Brody’s ReturnAndrew Romano
October 14, 2013
He pulls the reader in with his unpretentious, laconic style, and with his refusal to shy away from acknowledging his own flaws.
Thiessen rebutted with a laconic Tweet: "Frum votes for surrender."
Historical Examples
"Yes, racin's hell now," commented Dixon with laconic directness.
ThoroughbredsW. A. Fraser
With which laconic remark Newman turned round and hobbled away.
The Life And Adventures Of Nicholas NicklebyCharles Dickens
"The doctor says there's no need," she said, in her laconic way.
"Charge them" was his laconic command; and it was repeated with emphasis.
Personal Recollections of a CavalrymanJ. H. (James Harvey) Kidd
"I 'll stay," said I, imitating his own laconic way; and no more was said.
A Day's RideCharles James Lever
laconic
laconical
- (of a person's speech) using few words; terse
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Word Origin
C16: via Latin from Greek Lakōnikos, from Lakōn Laconian, Spartan; referring to the Spartans' terseness of speech
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for laconic
adj.
"concise, abrupt," 1580s, probably via Latin Laconicus, from Greek Lakonikos, from Lakon "person from Lakonia," the district around Sparta in southern Greece in ancient times, whose inhabitants were famously proud of their brevity of speech. When Philip of Macedon threatened them with, "If I enter Laconia, I will raze Sparta to the ground," the Spartans' reply was, "If." An earlier form was laconical (1570s). Related: Laconically.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper