laconic
Say it: luh-KON-ik /ləˈkɒnɪk/ · adjective
What “laconic” means
Saying what you mean in very few words.
More precisely: Using very few words.
Example: “His laconic reply to my long email was simply: 'Agreed.'”
When to use it
A fairly formal word for brief speech or replies, sometimes admiring their efficiency and sometimes suggesting a dry manner.
Memory trick
The name comes from Sparta's region, Laconia; Spartans were famous for speaking briefly.
Similar words
terse, concise, succinct
Where it comes from
From Greek Lakōn, 'a Spartan'; Spartans were famous for terse speech.
Quick check
Asked to describe a whole weekend away, your brother replies only, 'Wet, but fun.' His answer is…
laconic or evasive?
Show the answer
laconic
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