laconical

Definition

Adjective: - Using few words; concise to the point of seeming rude or mysterious: "laconical" describes a style of speech or writing that is extremely brief and terse, often lacking elaboration or politeness. It implies a deliberate economy of language.

Usage Examples

• (A very short answer that seemed dismissive.)
• (Brief, direct commands without extra explanation.)

Advanced Usage

• "a laconical style": a manner of expression that is notably short and to the point, sometimes seen as abrupt.
  • The author's laconical prose leaves much unsaid, inviting the reader to infer meaning. (The writing is concise, requiring interpretation.)

Variants and Related Words

• Laconic (adj): the more common spelling; identical in meaning to "laconical."
  • Her laconic comment was simply, "No." (A very brief statement.)
• Laconically (adv): in a brief, concise manner.
  • He answered laconically, "Fine." (He spoke with few words.)

Synonyms

• Terse: brief and direct, often in a way that seems rude.
• Succinct: clearly and briefly expressed; concise.
• Curt: rudely brief in speech.
• Pithy: full of meaning in a few words.

Related Idioms

• "Short and sweet": pleasantly brief; often used to describe a laconical remark that is effective.
  • His speech was short and sweet, just like a laconical response. (It was brief and to the point.)

Note: "Laconical" is a less common variant of "laconic." Both are used identically, but "laconic" is the standard form in modern English.