pithy definition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pithy definition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to describe a definition that is concise and to the point, often capturing the essence of a concept in a few words. Example: "The author provided a pithy definition of love that resonated with everyone in the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Also in the Arts Diary Ballet star Carlos Acosta makes movie debut in Day of the Flowers Wanted: witty, pithy definition of one of life's great questions @AlicevJones.

Independent

While the band are typically credited as a pioneer of heavy metal, the show made clear that their music surpasses such a pithy definition.

The Guardian - Music

Understanding the meaning of biodiversity, with a pithy definition, is perhaps the best way to get it bandied around outside of biology textbooks.

The Guardian

One pithy definition of the difference between comedy and tragedy, sometimes attributed to that gangster of the comic, Mel Brooks, goes like this.

The Guardian - Film

Carlos Acosta and Eva Birthistle in Day Of The Flowers Also in the Arts Diary Tim Minchin and pals perform Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead down under Wanted: witty, pithy definition of one of life's great questions @AlicevJones.

Independent

But especially this year as the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin's birth and the 150th of his publication of On the Origin of Species excites widespread reflection and analysis among biophiles worldwide that pithy definition is particularly apt.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The pithy form — literally meaning a "definition" or "distinction" — has been around since Hippocrates, he of the Hippocratic Oath.

The New Yorker

E-mail address GO SIGN UP Share Tweet The pithy form — literally meaning a "definition" or "distinction" — has been around since Hippocrates, he of the Hippocratic Oath.

The New Yorker

Plant-genome scientists offer a variety of definitions, few of them pithy.

Science Magazine

The Urban Dictionary's top definition of the word "awesome" could barely be pithier: "Something Americans use to describe everything".

The Guardian - Sport

Fitness and gloom, a pithy summary of that decade add recession, and you've got a good working definition of the first decade of this century, as well.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pithy definition" when you want to emphasize that a definition is not only short but also packed with meaning and insight. It's more than just brief; it's meaningfully concise.

Common error

Avoid using "pithy definition" when you simply mean a short definition. "Pithy" implies depth and insightfulness conveyed in few words, not just brevity. Ensure the definition carries substantial meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pithy definition" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "pithy" modifies the noun "definition". It specifies the type of definition, indicating that it's concise and full of meaning. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable and correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pithy definition" describes a definition that is both concise and meaningfully expressive. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in English. While alternatives like "succinct definition" or "concise definition" exist, "pithy" adds an element of insightful brevity. It’s important to use "pithy definition" when you want to highlight not just the shortness of a definition, but also its depth and effectiveness in capturing the essence of a concept. It appears most frequently in news and media sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

succinct definition

Focuses on brevity and conciseness in the definition.

concise definition

Highlights the absence of unnecessary details.

brief definition

Emphasizes the short length of the definition.

to-the-point definition

Directly emphasizes the definition's focus and lack of extraneous information.

compact definition

Implies the definition is efficiently packed with meaning.

summary definition

Indicates that the definition provides a condensed overview.

short and sweet definition

Adds a positive tone, suggesting the definition is pleasing and effective.

essential definition

Highlights that the definition captures the core essence of the concept.

terse definition

Suggests a definition that is brief to the point of being abrupt.

laconic definition

Similar to terse, but implies a more deliberate brevity, often with wit.

FAQs

How can I use "pithy definition" in a sentence?

You might say, "The professor provided a "pithy definition" of quantum physics that even beginners could grasp", or "The article began with a "pithy definition" of democracy".

What are some alternatives to "pithy definition"?

Consider using phrases like "succinct definition", "concise definition", or "brief definition" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Pithy" implies more than just brevity; it suggests insightful conciseness.

What does "pithy" actually mean?

"Pithy" means concise and forcefully expressive. A "pithy definition", therefore, is one that is both short and full of substance.

Is it redundant to say "pithy definition"? Is a definition not supposed to be pithy?

While definitions aim for conciseness, using "pithy" emphasizes that the definition is exceptionally concise and meaningfully expressive. It's not necessarily redundant, as it highlights a specific quality of the definition.