Succinct Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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succinct
[səkˈsɪŋkt ]
Definitions
written communication
expressed in a very clear and short way
Synonyms
brief, compact, concise, terse.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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succinct |
Similar to 'succinct', arguably repetitive in the list provided. |
concise |
Used when you want to express the most important information in as few words as possible, often for clarity and precision.
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brief |
Commonly used when referring to a short duration of time or a quick overview without elaboration.
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compact |
Often used in reference to something physically small or tightly packed, but can also refer to dense information presented in a small amount of space.
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terse |
Has a slightly negative connotation, often implying that the speech or writing is very brief and perhaps rudely short.
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Examples of usage
- a succinct summary of the main points
- her speech was succinct and to the point
manner of speaking
briefly and clearly expressed
Synonyms
crisp, laconic, pithy, succulent.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
succinct |
Used when describing speech or writing that is short and clearly expresses what needs to be said without unnecessary words.
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succulent |
Describes food that is juicy and tasty. It is not typically used to describe speech or writing.
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laconic |
Describes a style of speaking or writing that uses very few words. It often carries a connotation of being abrupt or unfriendly.
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pithy |
Refers to speech or writing that is brief but full of substance and meaning. It's often used to praise remarks or statements that are both concise and insightful.
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crisp |
Often used to describe speech or text that is clear, concise, and effective. This word can also describe weather, food, or other things that are fresh or sharp.
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Examples of usage
- he was succinct in his response
- she gave a succinct explanation of the process
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Communication
- In the digital age, where attention spans are shorter, being succinct helps convey messages more effectively, especially in emails and texts.
- Public speakers often emphasize succinctness to maintain audience interest and clarity, ensuring the main message is heard.
- The famous 'Elevator Pitch' concept stresses the importance of being succinct to get an idea across in the short time it takes for an elevator ride.
Literature
- Authors like Hemingway are praised for their succinct writing style, where every word carries weight and contributes meaning.
- The ability to write succinctly is often seen as a hallmark of great writers, as it demonstrates mastery over language and clarity of thought.
- Poetry often relies on succinctness, packing deep meaning into just a few words, making every line impactful.
Psychology
- Research shows that concise communication can enhance understanding and retention of information, making it easier for people to grasp key ideas.
- Studies in cognitive psychology suggest that succinct messages can reduce cognitive load, allowing the receiver to process information more quickly.
- Being succinct is also linked with confidence, as those who communicate clearly and briefly may be perceived as more authoritative.
Business
- In business reports and presentations, succinctness is highly valued as it respects the audience's time while delivering critical information.
- Trainings in effective business communication often include techniques for being succinct to help improve clarity in messaging.
- Top executives often prefer succinct summaries during meetings, allowing more focus on decision-making rather than lengthy discussions.
Origin of 'succinct'
Main points about word origin
- The word originates from the Latin 'succinctus', which means 'to bind up', reflecting the idea of tightly wrapping information.
- It combines the prefix 'sub-' (under) and 'cingere' (to gird), suggesting that something is wrapped tightly without unnecessary fluff.
- The usage of the term in English dates back to the late 14th century, initially used in contexts relating to speech and writing.
The word 'succinct' originated from the Latin word 'succinctus', which means 'girded up'. It was first used in English in the 15th century to describe something that is tightly bound or concise. Over time, the meaning evolved to refer to something that is expressed clearly and briefly. The word 'succinct' has been widely used in written communication and public speaking to emphasize the importance of being concise and to the point.
See also: succinctly, succinctness.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #18,194, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.
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