verbosity
Americannoun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of verbosity
From the Late Latin word verbōsitās, dating back to 1535–45. See verbose, -ity
Explanation
Verbosity is a quality possessed by people who talk a lot while saying very little at all. The root verb — also seen in verbal — is a clue this word has to do with talking. Specifically, verbosity is the quality of gabbing and blabbing at length. That might sound like a talent, and it sort of is, but usually the words are a bit empty. You could be accused of verbosity if you like to exaggerate or wax poetic. Most of the time, verbosity is empty talk — a whole lot of nothing dressed up in too many words.
Vocabulary lists containing verbosity
Wonder
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The Color Purple
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Isaac's Storm
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Verbosity became more of a problem with the advent of television coverage in the 1950s.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 8, 2024
HUD reviewers demanded that DCHA’s board investigate why the agency brought in Verbosity without competition, a question the auditor’s internal review does not answer.
From Washington Post • Nov. 13, 2022
Garrett and Verbosity executives did not respond to emails requesting comment.
From Washington Post • Nov. 13, 2022
Verbosity can prove especially hazardous for job seekers.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 13, 2017
Our honourable friend cannot come in for Verbosity too often.
From Reprinted Pieces by Dickens, Charles
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
