succinct

[ suhk-singkt ]
See synonyms for: succinctsuccinctlysuccinctness on Thesaurus.com

adjective
  1. expressed in few words; concise; terse.

  2. characterized by conciseness or verbal brevity.

  1. compressed into a small area, scope, or compass.

  2. Archaic.

    • drawn up, as by a girdle.

    • encircled, as by a girdle.

Origin of succinct

1
First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin succinctus, past participle of succingere “to gird, gather up (one's clothes), prepare for action,” equivalent to suc- “under, beneath” (see suc-) + cing(ere) “to gird, equip” + -tus past participle suffix

synonym study For succinct

1, 2. See concise.

Other words from succinct

  • suc·cinct·ly, adverb
  • suc·cinct·ness, noun
  • un·suc·cinct, adjective

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

How to use succinct in a sentence

  • "Your 'far country' lies on the borders of hell," he replied, with disconcerting succinctness.

    The Tyranny of the Dark | Hamlin Garland
  • He touched his hat to her with equal succinctness, and drove away, including all the ladies on the piazza in a cursory obeisance.

    Dr. Breen's Practice | William Dean Howells
  • This is the tendency toward succinctness and clarity, at whatever sacrifice of grace.

    The American Language | Henry L. Mencken
  • I know nothing so simple, so natural; and the proof of the simplicity shall lie in the succinctness of my demonstration.

British Dictionary definitions for succinct

succinct

/ (səkˈsɪŋkt) /


adjective
  1. marked by brevity and clarity; concise

  2. compressed into a small area

  1. archaic

    • encircled by or as if by a girdle

    • drawn up tightly; closely fitting

Origin of succinct

1
C15: from Latin succinctus girt about, from succingere to gird from below, from sub- from below + cingere to gird

Derived forms of succinct

  • succinctly, adverb
  • succinctness, noun

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