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Definition of terseness

terseness

/ˈtɝːs.nəs/
terse · ness
Adverb:tersely
•
Adjective:terse
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terseness Lexical Profile

terseness Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The quality of being sparing in the use of words; concise, direct, or abrupt brevity in speech or writing.

Example

"The editor appreciated the terseness of the journalist's prose, as every sentence conveyed maximum meaning with minimal words."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for terseness

• Nearby Words

terry
terse
tersely
terseness
tertiary
tes river
tesla

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed from the adjective 'terse' (from Latin 'tersus', meaning 'wiped clean, neat, or polished', the past participle of 'tergere', 'to wipe or rub') combined with the Old English noun-forming suffix '-ness'.

Cite this Entry

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