terseness

USAGE SUMMARY

'terseness' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is derived from the adjective 'terse', which means using very few words and therefore clear and easy to understand. 'Terseness' refers to the quality of being brief and concise in speech or writing. Example sentence: The writer's prose was praised for its terseness, conveying complex ideas in a few well-chosen words.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not because they will save money—he is sceptical about that but because the nature of crime has changed.The police tend to distinguish between various kinds of criminality, which, with typical terseness, they refer to as levels one, two and three.

The Economist

ReprintsThe Democrats accuse Mr Estrada of what might be called "strategic terseness".

The Economist

An automated message at the end of the e-mail, apologising for terseness and blaming the tiny keyboard, signals to the reader that no offence is intended.Although technology has compressed the spectrum of formality, it has not abolished it altogether.

The Economist

Some styles were patently influenced by the importance of Chinese vocabulary and syntax, but others developed in response to the internal requirements of the various genres, whether the terseness of haiku (a poem in 17 syllables) or the bombast of the dramatic recitation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Frost's blank verse has the same terseness and concision that mark his poetry in general.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If the aim was simultaneously to portray speed and stillness, the effect was of simultaneous garrulity and terseness, with solo instruments - a piccolo, low brass - piercing static curtains of massed-string sound.

Independent

Renowned for the precision and occasional terseness of his commentary, Lubbock, who went to Eton and read philosophy at university, was regarded as a particular authority on contemporary art, unafraid of putting noses out of joint.

Independent

Few composers can inject as much significance into thirty seconds of music as Gyorgy Kurtag, and few writers have equalled the aphoristic terseness of Franz Kafka, so Kurtag's Kafka Fragments represents a marriage made, if not in heaven, certainly in a grimly harmonious version of hell.

Independent

Did Janacek's highly expressive terseness better prepare us for Suk's protracted meditation on bereavement – the Asrael Symphony?

Independent

Airy and dancelike in style, they frequently employ, with great terseness and precision, a declamatory style in which chords follow the accents of speech.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some rambling casualness, apparently irrelevant anecdotes, and suggestions of the conclusions that the author wishes his readers to infer are often more effective than extreme terseness.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for "terseness", ensure that clarity isn't sacrificed for the sake of brevity. Every word should contribute meaningfully to the overall message.

Common error

Avoid excessive "terseness" that leads to ambiguity or abruptness. Ensure your message remains polite and easily understandable, even when using minimal words.

Linguistic Context

The word "terseness" functions primarily as a noun, referring to the quality or state of being terse. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status. Examples from Ludwig illustrate it describing various forms of communication (writing, speech) known for being concise.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "terseness" describes the quality of being concise and using few words. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, especially in News & Media and Encyclopedias. While synonyms like "conciseness" and "brevity" exist, "terseness" sometimes implies a degree of abruptness. When aiming for "terseness", prioritize clarity and avoid sacrificing essential details for brevity. Remember, effective communication involves a balance, ensuring your message is both concise and easily understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conciseness

Focuses on brevity and the avoidance of unnecessary detail.

brevity

Emphasizes shortness in duration or the use of few words.

succinctness

Highlights the quality of being clearly expressed in few words.

compactness

Suggests the quality of being tightly packed or efficiently arranged, applicable to writing or speech.

laconicism

Refers to speaking using very few words; often implying a reserved or understated style.

curtness

Implies a brief and abrupt manner, potentially suggesting rudeness.

compression

Highlights the act of reducing something in size or volume, applicable to language.

pithiness

Emphasizes the quality of being concise and full of meaning or substance.

abruptness

Indicates a sudden and brief manner, which can sometimes be perceived negatively.

economy of words

Stresses the efficient use of language, avoiding redundancy.

FAQs

How can I use "terseness" in a sentence?

You can use "terseness" to describe writing or speech that is concise and to the point, for example: "The speaker's "terseness" made his arguments impactful".

What's the difference between "terseness" and "conciseness"?

While both relate to brevity, "terseness" can sometimes imply a degree of abruptness or bluntness, while "conciseness" focuses more on conveying information efficiently without unnecessary detail.

What are some synonyms for "terseness"?

Synonyms include "brevity", "succinctness", and "conciseness", each with slight nuances in meaning depending on the context.

Can "terseness" ever be a negative quality?

Yes, if it leads to a lack of clarity or comes across as rude or dismissive. Effective communication requires a balance between "terseness" and adequate explanation.