Search Dictionary
Definition of tersely

tersely

/ˈtɝːs.li/
terse · ly
Adjective:terse
JUMP TO:

tersely Lexical Profile

tersely Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

In an abrupt, curt, or brusque manner that suggests impatience or unfriendliness.

Example

"When asked about the delay, the spokesperson replied tersely and ended the interview."

2

In a brief, concise, and cleanly direct manner, without unnecessary words.

Example

"The report was tersely written, summarizing three months of research in just two pages."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for tersely
Antonyms
View all antonyms for tersely

• Rhymes for tersely

• Nearby Words

terrorizer
terry
terse
tersely
terseness
tertiary
tes river

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed from the adjective 'terse' plus the adverbial suffix '-ly'. The base word derives from the Latin 'tersus', meaning 'wiped off, clean, or neat', the past participle of 'tergere' (to wipe or polish).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Tersely. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/tersely
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.