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Definition of pithy

pithy

/ˈpɪθ.i/
pith · y
Adverb:pithily
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pithy Lexical Profile

pithy Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Concise and forcefully expressive, conveying a great deal of meaning or substance in a few words.

Example

"The professor concluded her lecture with a pithy summary that captured the entire century's political shifts in a single sentence."

2

Containing or resembling pith, especially regarding citrus fruits or plant stems that have a thick, spongy, fibrous interior.

Example

"The late-season oranges had grown dry and pithy, making them better suited for grating zest than for juicing."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for pithy

• Nearby Words

pitfall
pith
pithily
pithy
pitiable
pitiably
pitiful

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English from the noun 'pith' (Old English 'pitha', meaning the central marrow or spongy core of a plant stem) plus the suffix '-y'. The figurative sense of speech or writing being full of essential substance developed in the early 16th century.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Pithy. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/pithy
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