terse

[turs]

adjective

terser, tersest 

1. neatly or effectively concise; brief and pithy, as language.

   Synonyms: compendious, epigrammatic, brief, compact, succinct

2. abruptly concise; curt; brusque.

terse

/ tɜːs /

adjective

1. neatly brief and concise

2. curt; abrupt

Other Word Forms

• terseness noun
• tersely adverb
• unterse adjective
• unterseness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of terse¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; from Latin tersus, past participle of tergēre “to rub off, wipe off, clean, polish”

Word History and Origins

Origin of terse¹

C17: from Latin tersus precise, from tergēre to polish

Synonym Study

See concise.

Example Sentences

When announcing the deal, Newcastle issued a terse 37-word statement on the club website.

From BBC

You expect a terse “fine,” so you may proceed to some other triviality like sports or the weather.

From Salon

The terse decisions have been often followed by an angry and lengthy dissent from the three liberals.

From Los Angeles Times

"What's eating at Rory?" was the question so many people want to discuss, especially after his terse news conference following Saturday's third round in Pennsylvania.

From BBC

A first-person account would be compelling enough, especially given Thomas’ gift for terse, layered expository writing.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• brusque 
• concise 
• cryptic 
• curt 
• elliptical 
• incisive 
• laconic 
• pithy 
• precise 
• succinct 
• trenchant