concise

/kənˈsaɪs/
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Clear and brief, or shortened to the essential information in a reference work or edition.

Examples

  • The course uses a concise grammar for quick revision.
  • Her concise answer solved the problem in one sentence.
  • The editor asked for a more concise introduction.
  • A concise email is easier to answer.
  • His notes were concise but still complete.

Similar words

compact
pithy
terse
short-form
summary
succinct
abridged
laconic
compact
brief

Meanings

Brief and clear

adjective
communication
neutral
Using few words while still saying what is needed clearly.

Examples

  • Her concise answer solved the problem in one sentence.
  • The report is clear and concise.
  • A concise email is easier to answer.
  • The editor asked for a more concise introduction.
  • His notes were concise but still complete.

Similar words

Short reference version

adjective
publishing
neutral
Containing the essential information in a shortened form, especially of a dictionary, manual, grammar, or edition.

Examples

  • The Concise Oxford Dictionary fits easily on a small desk.
  • A concise encyclopedia gives the essentials without long essays.
  • The course uses a concise grammar for quick revision.
  • She bought the concise edition instead of the full three-volume set.
  • The concise manual covers the main controls in fifty pages.

Similar words

Etymology

From Latin concisus, “cut short,” the past participle of concidere, from con- and caedere, “to cut.”

FAQ

What does concise mean?

Concise means brief and clear, with unnecessary words removed while the main meaning remains.

Can concise describe speech?

Yes. A reply, explanation, speech, report, or email can all be concise.

What is a concise dictionary?

A concise dictionary is a shorter reference work that gives essential information without the full detail of a larger edition.

Is concise the same as short?

Not exactly. Concise means short in a useful way, with clarity and enough information.

What is the adverb of concise?

The adverb is concisely, as in write concisely.

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