Pithiness: meaning, definitions and examples

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pithiness

 

[ ˈpɪθinəs ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

in writing

The quality of being concise and to the point, especially in speech or writing, often achieving maximum effect with minimum words.

Synonyms

brevity, conciseness, terse.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pithiness

Ideal for situations where a statement needs to be both concise and forceful, often used in literary or rhetorical contexts.

  • The pithiness of her speech left the audience in awe.
  • His writing is known for its pithiness, delivering powerful messages in few words.
conciseness

Used when clarity and shortness are required without losing essential information, common in technical writing and documentation.

  • The manual's conciseness makes it easy to follow.
  • Conciseness in communication is crucial for effective teamwork.
brevity

Suitable for contexts where shortness and conciseness are valued, especially in formal writing or speech.

  • The professor appreciated the brevity of the student's thesis.
  • In journalism, brevity is key to maintaining reader interest.
terse

Often used in scenarios where shortness of speech may come across as rude or abrupt, usually having a negative connotation.

  • His terse reply signaled that he was not interested in continuing the conversation.
  • She was known for her terse emails that could sometimes offend colleagues.

Examples of usage

  • It is important for a writer to strive for pithiness in their writing.
  • Her pithiness in delivering speeches made her a popular public speaker.
Context #2 | Noun

general

The quality of being full of vigor, vitality, or liveliness.

Synonyms

liveliness, vigor, vitality.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pithiness

Best used when you want to describe speech or writing that is both concise and full of meaning. It often refers to expressions that are brief but profound.

  • Her speech was appreciated for its pithiness, capturing complex ideas in just a few sentences.
  • The motto of the company is known for its pithiness: 'Quality over quantity.'
vigor

Typically used to describe physical strength, energy, or forcefulness. This word is great for conveying robustness and intensity in action.

  • Despite his age, he attacked the workout with the same vigor as a much younger man.
  • The protestors shouted with vigor, demanding immediate reforms.
vitality

This word is best for expressing the state of being strong and active, often with an implication of good health and energy. It can be used for both living beings and inanimate objects when you want to highlight their dynamic qualities.

  • Her vitality was evident in every project she undertook, always infusing life and enthusiasm into her work.
  • The city’s vitality is most visible in the bustling markets and vibrant street performances.
liveliness

Ideal for describing something full of energy, excitement, and activity. It can refer to a person, event, or even a piece of art that feels dynamic and engaging.

  • The liveliness of the festival was contagious, making everyone want to dance.
  • She painted the scene with such liveliness that it felt as if the figures might step out of the canvas.

Examples of usage

  • His pithiness and enthusiasm were contagious to everyone around him.
  • The pithiness of her performance on stage captivated the audience.

Translations

Translations of the word "pithiness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 concisão

🇮🇳 संक्षिप्तता

🇩🇪 Prägnanz

🇮🇩 konsisi

🇺🇦 лаконічність

🇵🇱 zwięzłość

🇯🇵 簡潔さ

🇫🇷 concision

🇪🇸 concisión

🇹🇷 özlülük

🇰🇷 간결함

🇸🇦 الإيجاز

🇨🇿 stručnost

🇸🇰 stručnosť

🇨🇳 简洁

🇸🇮 jedrnatost

🇮🇸 þéttni

🇰🇿 қысқалық

🇬🇪 კონსიზურობა

🇦🇿 qısalıq

🇲🇽 concisión

Etymology

The word 'pithiness' originates from the Middle English 'pithy', which means 'full of vigor or vitality'. It evolved to include the concept of concise and to the point, especially in writing. The term gained popularity in the context of literature and communication, emphasizing the importance of impactful brevity. Over time, 'pithiness' has become a sought-after quality in various forms of expression, valued for its ability to convey depth and meaning in a succinct manner.

See also: pith, pithily, pithy.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,042, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.