laconic
/ləˈkɒnɪk/
ADJECTIVE
1. Using very few words
Expressing thoughts, information, or responses in a brief, concise manner, using only the words necessary to communicate the intended meaning.
1.1. Speech and conversation
Used to describe people or their manner of speaking when they communicate with very few words, often giving short, direct, or restrained responses instead of engaging in lengthy conversation.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The detective's responses during the interrogation were laconic, revealing little about the ongoing investigation.
- Despite the heated argument, he remained laconic, refusing to engage in further discussion.
- In moments of stress, she became remarkably laconic, conveying her emotions through silence.
- During the press conference, the athlete was unusually laconic, providing brief and to-the-point answers.
Related Words
- brevity
- silence
- reticence
- reserve
- restraint
- understatement
- communication
1.2. Writing and expression
Used to describe written statements, explanations, or forms of expression that convey information or ideas in a compact, precise, and economical way without unnecessary details.
Synonyms
- concise
- succinct
- terse
- pithy
- brief
- compact
- crisp
- abridged
- compressed
- epigrammatic
- telegraphic
Antonyms
Examples
- The professor's teaching style was laconic, with concise explanations that left students craving more details.
- The author adopted a laconic writing style, conveying complex ideas through carefully chosen words.
- His laconic remarks summarized the entire discussion without unnecessary elaboration.
Related Words
- brevity
- precision
- economy of words
- summarization
- clarity
- expression
- conciseness