adjective
terse
TURS/tɜːrs/
Using few words in a direct, sometimes abrupt way.
A terse three-word instruction is pushed across the desk.
Etymology
From rubbing or polishing came the image of language polished and refined, then language concise and free of superficiality. That neat brevity later acquired the less flattering suggestion of bluntness.
In context
being similarly blunt terse and to the point
More examples
- The report gives a terse summary of the findings.
- His messages grow terser as the deadline approaches.
- She answers with a terse “Not now.”
Forms
terse · terser · tersest
tersely adverb — In few, direct, sometimes abrupt words.
terseness noun — Brevity and directness, sometimes suggesting abruptness.
Similar words
- concise
- Emphasizes conveying information efficiently, without suggesting an abrupt tone.
- curt
- Suggests rudeness or impatience more strongly than terse does.