laconic

[ luh-kon-ik ]
See synonyms for laconic on Thesaurus.com
adjective
  1. using few words; expressing much in few words; concise: a laconic reply.

Origin of laconic

1
1580–90; <Latin Lacōnicus<Greek Lakōnikós Laconian, equivalent to Lákōn a Laconian + -ikos-ic

Other words for laconic

Opposites for laconic

Other words from laconic

  • la·con·i·cal·ly, adverb
  • un·la·con·ic, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use laconic in a sentence

  • “Very,” said the stranger, laconically, looking at me for the first time.

    Lavengro | George Borrow
  • "No," he answered laconically, slamming down the lid of the tea-basket.

    Four Days | Hetty Hemenway
  • I conversed with some of my acquaintances, but they answered me laconically.

  • Sullen with rage the corporal motioned toward the string of prisoners and laconically ordered, “Fire!”

    The Reign of Greed | Jose Rizal

British Dictionary definitions for laconic

laconic

laconical

/ (ləˈkɒnɪk) /


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

Origin of laconic

1
C16: via Latin from Greek Lakōnikos, from Lakōn Laconian, Spartan; referring to the Spartans' terseness of speech

Derived forms of laconic

  • laconically, adverb

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