Words / C2

PITH-ee/ˈpɪθi/

Pithy means short, clear, and full of meaning: a pithy remark, pithy asides. Brief is everyday; concise is the close twin. Laconic (already in the dictionary) is few words, not necessarily packed. Pith is the essential part (and the white of an orange). Do not pad a pithy “n = 12” into a slogan.

Meaning

Short, clear, and full of meaning.

Examples

• “A pithy “n = 12” is still a methods sentence.”
• “Brief is everyday. Concise is close. Terse can be blunt. Laconic is sparingly spoken (already in C2). A one-line date can be enough. A proverb is often pithy. “World-leading” is short and empty. Keep the number; cut the frosting.”

Good to know

Concise and pointed. Everyday: concise. Close: terse. Contrast: laconic (few words — already in C2). Short ≠ empty.

Near in meaning

concise

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