laconic

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'laconic' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that is brief or to the point, especially when it comes to the use of words. For example, you could say, "He was so laconic in his response that it was difficult to figure out what he was trying to say."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The band are renowned for their no-nonsense approach and laconic humour.

The Guardian - Music

Malkovich eyed my misery (much as he did the whole Nessun Dorma brouhaha) with laconic detachment, but underneath that seen-it-all exterior he could tell a fellow actor was suffering and he had decided to help.

The Guardian

Jostling with news and faits divers, these stories were by necessity laconic and attention-grabbing, and Maupassant, whose severe economy was a model for Hemingway, had a great facility for producing them.

The Guardian - Books

Queenslander Chris Lynn has a deep, laconic drawl at odds with the fluent and attractive batting that has taken him to a first-class average of 43.25 from 26 first-class games.

The Guardian - Sport

From the West Midlands came news of an all-transvestite football game, with the laconic annotation: "all ended up in the canal .London displayed both patriotic zeal (flag-draped pubs in Brick Lane, big street parties in Muswell Hill) and hostility (cheerless housing estates, slogans declaring "Stuff the Jubilee").Scotland was a nation apart.

The Economist

The contrast between those scenes and the printed pages of the official textbooks will be jarring.Nodja, a teacher at a girls' school in northern Afghanistan, disapproves of this laconic version of her country's recent history.

The Economist

Despite his simple words and laconic sentences, he is one of the most difficult Russian authors to translate for the simple reason that so much remains hidden between his words.Chekhov's "hiddenness" is one of the main motifs and motives of Janet Malcolm's book.

The Economist

"Because the other side got more votes," was his laconic reply.

The Economist

But, as a laconic note taped to the court's door on the morning of April 27th revealed, the verdict in Mr Khodorkovsky's ten-month trial the climax of President Vladimir Putin's vendetta against Russia's erstwhile richest man had been delayed.Why?

The Economist

At first, Mr Badawi's laconic, laid-back style came as something of a relief after 22 long years of the combative Dr Mahathir.

The Economist

He was characteristically laconic on December 4th when he declared a state of emergency in the northern department of Cajamarca, dispatching the army to quash weeks of protests against Minas Conga, a giant mining project.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "laconic" to describe speech or writing that uses very few words, especially when aiming for efficiency or to project a sense of understatement. Remember, a "laconic" statement isn't just short; it's pointedly concise.

Common error

Avoid using "laconic" to describe someone who is simply being rude or unhelpful. While "laconic" communication is brief, it should still be clear and relevant. Rudeness often stems from disinterest or disdain, not just brevity.

Linguistic Context

The word "laconic" functions primarily as an adjective. According to Ludwig AI, it describes something or someone as being brief and to the point, especially in their use of words. The examples from Ludwig illustrate its descriptive role in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

6%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "laconic" accurately describes communication that is brief and concise. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English, and its prevalence across diverse contexts, from news articles to encyclopedic entries, underscores its versatility. Remember that while a "laconic" style emphasizes brevity, it should not sacrifice clarity or politeness. Over all "laconic" is a good word to use for being to the point.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

terse

Similar in meaning, but can sometimes imply abruptness or rudeness.

concise

Implies that the expression is comprehensive despite being brief.

pithy

Suggests that the expression is not only brief but also full of substance and meaning.

brief

A general term for shortness in duration or extent.

succinct

Conveys clarity and precision in a few words.

short and sweet

An informal way to describe something that is pleasingly brief.

to the point

Direct and without unnecessary details.

curt

Similar to terse, implying brevity to the point of being impolite.

compact

Suggests that something is efficiently packed into a small space or time.

summary

Implies a condensed version of something longer.

FAQs

How can I use "laconic" in a sentence?

You can use "laconic" to describe a person's speech or writing style when they use very few words. For example, "His replies were "laconic", offering little insight into his thoughts."

What's the difference between "laconic" and "terse"?

"Laconic" implies brevity and conciseness, while "terse" can suggest abruptness or even rudeness. A "laconic" response is short but not necessarily impolite, whereas a "terse" response may come across as unfriendly.

Are there situations where being "laconic" is not appropriate?

Yes, in situations requiring detailed explanations or emotional support, a "laconic" approach can be perceived as dismissive or uncaring. It is important to balance brevity with clarity and empathy.

What are some synonyms for "laconic"?

Some synonyms for "laconic" include "concise", "pithy", "succinct", and "brief". Each of these words emphasizes different aspects of shortness and conciseness.