Concision Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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concision
[kənˈsɪʒən ]
Definition
writing style
Concision is the quality of being brief and to the point in writing or speech. It involves expressing thoughts in a clear and succinct manner, eliminating unnecessary words and details. This practice enhances the overall effectiveness of communication by ensuring the message is easily understood without superfluous information. Good concision maintains the main idea while stripping away any redundant phrases or ideas, making it a valuable skill in both professional and academic settings.
Synonyms
brevity, clarity, succinctness, terse.
Examples of usage
- The concision of his report impressed the manager.
- She valued concision in her presentations, avoiding lengthy explanations.
- Effective writing requires concision to engage readers.
- The editor praised the author's concision in the article.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Literature
- Many famous authors, like Ernest Hemingway, are celebrated for their concise writing style, often using short sentences for impact.
- In poetry, concision is essential; it's about conveying emotions and imagery in a few words, as seen in haikus.
- Chaucer's 'Canterbury Tales' exemplifies concision through its focused narratives that deliver rich details in compact stories.
Communication
- In modern business communication, being concise can lead to more effective meetings and clearer emails, saving time.
- Public speakers often use techniques to maintain concision to keep audience attention and ensure key messages stick.
- Social media platforms limit character counts, prompting users to practice concision in their posts and messages.
Psychology
- Studies suggest that concise messages are often perceived as more credible, as they require less mental effort to process.
- Cognitive load theory supports the idea that shorter, clearer messages enhance understanding and retention.
- People tend to remember brief statements better than lengthy explanations, highlighting the power of concision.
Education
- Teachers often encourage students to write concisely to improve their clarity, especially in essays and reports.
- The concept of 'thesis statements' in academic writing relies on concision to summarize key arguments in one clear sentence.
- Concise writing skills are essential for standardized tests, where time and clarity play crucial roles in scoring.
Origin of 'concision'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'concision' comes from the Latin 'concisio', which means 'to cut down' or 'to shorten'.
- It entered English around the late Middle Ages, reflecting a growing emphasis on clear communication.
- Related words include 'concise' and 'incision', both indicating a form of cutting down or reducing.
The word 'concision' originates from the Latin word 'concisio', which means 'cutting off'. The term has evolved in the English language since the late Middle Ages, incorporating influences from both Latin and Old French. Its initial use was largely in academic and literary contexts, emphasizing the importance of brevity in discourse. Over time, the concept of concision has been embraced in various forms of communication, from academic writing to advertising, highlighting its role in ensuring clarity and engagement. In contemporary usage, concision is often associated with effective communication and is considered a hallmark of good writing.