laconism
laconism — noun
1. a way of speaking or writing that uses very few words, often creating a blunt or
a way of speaking or writing that uses very few words, often creating a blunt or striking effect
Defne admired the laconism of old Western films, where heroes spoke in clipped sentences.
collocation: laconism of [work or genre]
The laconism of the judge's ruling surprised the journalists waiting for a detailed opinion.
Fatima asked about the family's past, but her grandfather's laconism hid stories he would never share.
Captain Moreau's laconism in mission briefings became legendary among the new recruits.
The laconism of Hiroshi's haiku gave each short line the weight of a full paragraph.
- brevity
broader — can refer to shortness of anything, not just speech
- terseness
often implies abruptness or rudeness, while laconism can be neutral
- conciseness
more common and neutral; emphasises efficiency rather than style
- verbosity
using more words than needed
- long-windedness
informal equivalent of verbosity
用法筆記
Uncountable when referring to the quality or style. Compare with sense 2, which is countable.
常見錯誤
2. a short, pointed statement that says a lot with very few words
a short, pointed statement that says a lot with very few words
Ilan answered every question with a laconism: 'Maybe,' 'No,' or just a shrug.
countable: 'a laconism' as a specific short reply
Rashid's favourite laconism, 'Trust, but verify,' annoyed his project team but ended every debate.
The general's laconism 'Hold the line' became the unit's wartime motto.
Pim collected laconisms from old philosophers, scribbling them on sticky notes around his desk.
After days of bickering, Jude ended the thread with a single laconism: 'Cut ten per cent. Done.'
用法筆記
Countable — refers to an individual short remark or saying. Compare with sense 1, which is the abstract quality.