Succinct: meaning, definitions and examples

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succinct

[səkˈsɪŋkt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

written communication

expressed in a very clear and short way

Synonyms

brief, compact, concise, terse.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
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. The report was concise, making it easy to understand. Please be concise with your answers.
brief	Commonly used when referring to a short duration of time or a quick overview without elaboration. We had a brief conversation. The instructions were brief but clear.
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. The car is compact and easy to park. The guide was compact, yet comprehensive.
terse	Has a slightly negative connotation, often implying that the speech or writing is very brief and perhaps rudely short. His response was terse and uninviting. She received a terse reply to her request.

Examples of usage

a succinct summary of the main points
her speech was succinct and to the point

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

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. Her presentation was succinct and to the point. The article gave a succinct summary of the event.
succulent	Describes food that is juicy and tasty. It is not typically used to describe speech or writing. The steak was succulent and delicious. They served succulent fruit at the party.
laconic	Describes a style of speaking or writing that uses very few words. It often carries a connotation of being abrupt or unfriendly. His laconic reply made it clear he was not interested in the conversation. The professor's laconic feedback left the student puzzled.
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. She is famous for her pithy quotes. His speech was pithy and memorable.
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. He gave a crisp response to the question. The crisp autumn air was refreshing.

Examples of usage

he was succinct in his response
she gave a succinct explanation of the process

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "succinct" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sucinto

🇮🇳 संक्षिप्त

🇩🇪 prägnant

🇮🇩 singkat

🇺🇦 стислий

🇵🇱 zwięzły

🇯🇵 簡潔な

🇫🇷 succinct

🇪🇸 sucinto

🇹🇷 özlü

🇰🇷 간결한

🇸🇦 موجز

🇨🇿 stručný

🇸🇰 stručný

🇨🇳 简洁的

🇸🇮 jedrnat

🇮🇸 hnitmiðaður

🇰🇿 қысқа

🇬🇪 მოკლე

🇦🇿 qısa

🇲🇽 sucinto

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.

...
18191 macrophage
18192 trappings
18193 suitor
18194 succinct
18195 philosophically
18196 trotted
18197 operatic
...