Tersely Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tersely

[ˈtɜːrsli ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

written communication

expressed in a very concise and precise manner

Synonyms

briefly, concisely, laconically, succinctly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
tersely	Used when someone speaks or writes in a way that is very direct and may seem rude or abrupt. The manager tersely responded to the suggestions with 'We'll think about it '
concisely	Ideal for expressing an idea or information in a clear and precise manner, without any unnecessary words. He wrote the report concisely, covering all important points in just two pages
briefly	Appropriate when someone shares information in a short amount of time without going into details. She briefly explained the rules before the game started
succinctly	Used when someone conveys information clearly and in a few words, often appreciated in formal and academic settings. She succinctly presented the overview of the project during the meeting
laconically	Best used when someone expresses themselves in a very few words, often in a way that seems indifferent or unemotional. When asked for his opinion, he laconically replied, 'It's fine '

Examples of usage

She answered tersely, 'No.'
He spoke tersely, getting straight to the point.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

style of writing

using few words; concise and to the point

Synonyms

brief, concise, pithy, to the point.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
tersely	Used when describing a style of communication that is very short, sometimes to the point of being rude or brusque. He tersely told her to sit down. The manager tersely rejected the proposal.
concise	Best used when the goal is to provide a lot of information in a few words without leaving out important details. The instructions were clear and concise. He gave a concise account of the event.
brief	Appropriate for situations where information needs to be conveyed quickly and without unnecessary details. The teacher gave a brief summary of the lesson. She wrote a brief note to explain her absence.
to the point	Used when emphasizing that the most relevant and important information is being provided. His comments were very much to the point. Please be to the point in your report.
pithy	Ideal for situations where the communication needs to be forceful and clever, often used in sayings or quotations. Her speech was filled with pithy observations. The article contained a pithy analysis of the political situation.

Examples of usage

His writing style is known for being terse and impactful.
The author's tersely written novel captivated readers.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Communication Styles

In business communication, being terse can convey confidence and decisiveness, making it a valued trait in leadership.
However, overly terse communication can lead to misunderstandings, especially in personal interactions where warmth is needed.
Psychologists note that terseness can affect how the message is interpreted; it can come off as rudeness if not balanced with context.

Literature

Many famous authors, like Ernest Hemingway, are known for their terse writing styles, using few words to create powerful imagery and impact.
Terse dialogue can be a literary device to build tension between characters, making memorable scenes more intense.
Classic poetry often embraces terseness, packing meaning into short lines, creating emotional depth without requiring lengthy explanations.

Pop Culture

In film and television scripts, terse dialogue is frequently used for action heroes or characters that are mysterious and enigmatic.
Popular memes often use terse phrases for comedic effect, relying on brevity to provoke immediate laughter or recognition.
Terse responses in social media can create viral content, where a simple, sharp quote captures widespread attention.

Psychology

People often interpret terse communication as a signal of confidence, but it can also trigger anxiety if others perceive it as coldness.
Research indicates that more straightforward, terse communication is sometimes preferred in high-stakes environments for clarity.
A study suggested that succinct emails are often viewed more favorably by colleagues than lengthy, detailed messages.

Origin of 'tersely'

Main points about word origin

Derived from the Latin word 'tersus' meaning 'polished' or 'neat', reflecting the idea of concise clarity.
The term first entered the English language in the late 17th century, mainly used in writing and conversation to indicate brevity.
Over time, the meaning evolved to imply not just being short but also potentially being abrupt or brusque.

The word 'tersely' originated from the Middle English word 'ters' meaning 'harshly, severely'. Over time, the meaning evolved to represent concise and precise communication. The adverb 'tersely' gained popularity in written communication to describe a style that is brief and to the point.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,652, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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25649 tactfully
25650 freighters
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25652 tersely
25653 multiracial
25654 chronometer
25655 penmanship
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