laconic

[ luh-kon-ik ]

/ ləˈkɒn ɪk /

adjective

using few words; expressing much in few words; concise: a laconic reply.

Nearby words

lackluster, lacklustre, laclos, laconia, laconian, laconic, laconical, laconicum, laconism, lacoste, lacquer

Origin of laconic

1580–90; < Latin Lacōnicus < Greek Lakōnikós Laconian, equivalent to Lákōn a Laconian + -ikos -ic

SYNONYMS FOR laconic

brief, pithy, terse; succinct.

ANTONYMS FOR laconic

voluble.

Related forms

la·con·i·cal·ly, adverbun·la·con·ic, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for laconically

"They merely go for the purpose of seeing the building burn," replied Smith, laconically.
The Gold Hunter's Adventures|William H. Thomes
"Reckon we might overtake him an' get home before sundown," he said, laconically, as he turned his horse.
The Border Legion|Zane Grey
When he drew up before the inn the landlord and his family and a number of loungers greeted him laconically.
The Lone Star Ranger|Zane Grey
Anyone who works for us gets paid for it, rejoined Halstead, laconically.
The Motor Boat Club in Florida|H. Irving Hancock

Yamanatz saw the sparkle in Jack's eyes and laconically remarked, "Sabe?"
Chiquita, an American Novel|Merrill Tileston

British Dictionary definitions for laconically

laconic

laconical

/ (ləˈkɒnɪk) /

adjective

(of a person's speech) using few words; terse

Derived Forms

laconically, adverb

Word Origin for laconic

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 Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012