briefness

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'briefness' is correct and usable in written English.
It is a noun that means the quality or state of being brief or short. You can use 'briefness' in formal or academic writing, such as essays, reports, or research papers. It can also be used in everyday communication, such as in emails, letters, or presentations. Example: The briefness of the meeting surprised everyone as they expected it to last for hours. However, the efficient discussion and clear presentation of ideas by the chairperson made sure that all important points were covered in a concise manner.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The essay takes the form of a letter of advice to his friend Paulinus, who must have made the mistake of complaining, within earshot of Seneca, about the briefness of his days.

The New Yorker

Many parents fail to take the briefness of gymnastics glory into account.

The New Yorker

But if he's going for theater of the absurd, he undermines it with his more self-consciously poetic writing, like this empty riff: "And he does not know why this is his favorite sound of all time, only that there is something so perfect in its briefness, in its sense of longing".

The New York Times - Books

However, Smith firmly denies that her youth was anything to do with the briefness of her career in government, insisting all her colleagues were "warm and welcoming from the prime minister down".

The Guardian

The briefness of Cameron's visit also meant he didn't have as much time as he might have liked to catch up with his old friend and communications director, Andy Coulson, who was seated tantalisingly close to his former boss on table eight.

The Guardian

celebrates Schumann's episodic style by exaggerating its briefness.

The New York Times - Arts

Randy Pausch, the professor whose "last lecture" made him a Lou-Gehrig-like symbol of the beauty and briefness of life, died Friday at his home in Chesapeake, Va.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing time, use "briefness" to emphasize the fleeting nature of events or opportunities. It adds a sense of urgency or poignancy.

Common error

Avoid using "briefness" when you mean something lacks detail. Instead, use words like "incompleteness" or "superficiality" to convey that the subject matter is missing key information, instead of simply being short.

Linguistic Context

The noun "briefness" primarily functions to denote the state or quality of being brief. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it's frequently used to describe the short duration of events, careers, or even life itself.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "briefness" is a noun that describes the quality of being brief or short. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various writing contexts. While "briefness" is not exceedingly common, it effectively conveys the limited duration or concise nature of something. Examples sourced from reputable publications like The New Yorker and The New York Times showcase its usage in news and media. When using "briefness", ensure it accurately reflects a short duration rather than a lack of detail. Related terms include "brevity" and "conciseness".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brevity

A direct synonym emphasizing conciseness and shortness.

shortness

A basic synonym emphasizing the limited extent or duration.

short duration

Focuses on the limited time something lasts.

conciseness

Highlights the quality of being succinct and to the point.

transience

Emphasizes the temporary or fleeting nature.

lack of length

Emphasizes the absence of extensive duration or size.

fleetingness

Highlights the quick and passing nature.

terseness

Suggests a curt or abrupt shortness.

limited extent

Focuses on the restricted scope or range.

ephemeral nature

Highlights the fleeting or transient quality.

FAQs

How can I use "briefness" in a sentence?

You can use "briefness" to describe the short duration of something, as in, "The briefness of the meeting allowed us to address all key issues efficiently".

What words are similar to "briefness"?

Synonyms for "briefness" include "brevity", "conciseness", and "shortness".

Is "briefness" the same as "simplicity"?

"Briefness" refers to a short duration or concise nature, while "simplicity" refers to a lack of complexity. They are not interchangeable, although something brief can also be simple.

What is the difference between "briefness" and "efficiency"?

"Briefness" describes the quality of being short, while "efficiency" describes the ability to accomplish something with minimal wasted effort or time. The "briefness" of a process can contribute to its efficiency.