Brevity Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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brevity
[ˈbrɛvɪti ]
Definitions
in writing
Concise and exact use of words in writing or speech.
Synonyms
conciseness, succinctness, terse.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| brevity |
Use when emphasizing the shortness of time or communication, often in positive contexts such as speeches or writing.
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| conciseness |
Use when focusing on the clarity and precision of communication without unnecessary details, often in written texts.
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| succinctness |
Use when highlighting the brief and direct manner of expression, typically in both spoken and written forms.
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| terse |
Use when referring to very brief communication that may come off as rude or unfriendly; often has a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- The author's brevity in his writing style captivated the readers.
- She appreciated the brevity of the presentation.
time
Shortness of time or duration.
Synonyms
briefness, conciseness, shortness.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| brevity |
Use when highlighting the quality of being brief and to the point, often appreciated in communication or writing for its effectiveness.
|
| briefness |
More generic than 'brevity,' often used when referring to the short duration of something; can be related to both time and content.
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| shortness |
Used more often to describe physical length, duration, or a deficiency; often has a slightly negative connotation.
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| conciseness |
Focuses on using few words without losing the meaning, often in writing or speech; implies clarity and precision.
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Examples of usage
- The brevity of our meeting surprised me.
- The brevity of the film made it easy to watch in one sitting.
life
The quality of lasting only for a short period of time.
Synonyms
ephemerality, fleetingness, transience.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| brevity |
Brevity is typically used to describe something that is concise or short in duration, often in the context of speech or writing.
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| transience |
Transience conveys the idea of impermanence or the temporary nature of something, usually in a philosophical or existential context.
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| ephemerality |
Ephemerality refers to the quality of being short-lived or temporary. It's often used in artistic, philosophical, or environmental contexts.
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| fleetingness |
Fleetingness emphasizes something that passes by quickly, often in an emotional or sensory context, like a feeling or a glimpse.
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Examples of usage
- The brevity of life is a common theme in literature.
- They reflected on the brevity of childhood.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Famous authors, like Ernest Hemingway, were known for their brevity, crafting powerful stories using very few words.
- The phrase 'Brevity is the soul of wit' comes from Shakespeare's 'Hamlet', emphasizing the value of being concise.
- Poets often use brevity to evoke strong emotions through short, impactful lines.
Communication
- In modern communication, especially in texts or tweets, brevity has become essential due to character limits.
- Effective public speakers often practice brevity to keep their audience engaged and focused.
- Editing for brevity is a critical skill in journalism, where every word counts to deliver news succinctly.
Psychology
- Research suggests that concise messaging is more memorable than lengthy explanations, tapping into our cognitive preferences.
- Clarity in communication often improves relationships; being brief can reduce misunderstandings.
- Studies show that people perceive brevity as professionalism, influencing job opportunities and promotions.
Pop Culture
- In the age of social media, memes often exemplify brevity by delivering humor or commentary in just a few words or images.
- Television shows sometimes use quick dialogue to create comedic effects, showcasing the power of brevity in entertainment.
- Song lyrics are often succinct, using brevity to create catchy hooks that resonate with listeners.
Origin of 'brevity'
Main points about word origin
- This word comes from the Latin 'brevitas', which means 'shortness' or 'briefness'.
- In English, 'brevity' first appeared in the late 14th century, often used in literature and speech.
- Related terms include 'brief' and 'abbreviate', which share roots in the concept of being concise.
The word 'brevity' originated from the Latin word 'brevitas', which means 'shortness'. The concept of brevity has been valued in literature and communication for centuries, emphasizing the importance of conveying meaning concisely and clearly. Writers and speakers often strive for brevity to engage their audience and make their message more impactful. The term has evolved to represent not just brevity in words, but also in time and duration, reflecting the fleeting nature of life itself.