Words / C2

l-uh-KON-ik/ləˈkɒnɪk/

Laconic means using very few words, often dry rather than rude. Choose it instead of brief when the shortness is a habit or a style — a laconic email, a laconic witness. In everyday talk, a man of few words or blunt is more natural; laconic belongs in character sketches and reviews.

Meaning

Using very few words.

Examples

• “His laconic reply was just “No.””
• “Her laconic emails never wasted a line.”
• “The captain’s laconic “Carry on” ended the debate.”

Good to know

A style of speech, not just a short answer. Everyday: terse / brief.

Near in meaning

terse

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