Terser: meaning, definitions and examples

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terser

 

[ ˈtɜːr.sɚ ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

writing style

Terser refers to a style of communication or writing that is more concise and direct, often stripping away unnecessary words while still conveying a clear message. This approach is particularly valued in contexts where brevity is essential, such as journalism and technical writing. A terser statement often implies a certain sharpness or lack of embellishment, which can be effective in engaging readers or listeners. It emphasizes clarity and accessibility, making ideas easier to understand.

Synonyms

brief, concise, laconic, pithy, succinct.

Examples of usage

  • His explanation was much terser than I expected.
  • She prefers a terser style in her reports.
  • The author's terser writing improved the book's readability.

Translations

Translations of the word "terser" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mais conciso

🇮🇳 संक्षिप्त

🇩🇪 knapper

🇮🇩 lebih ringkas

🇺🇦 більш лаконічний

🇵🇱 bardziej zwięzły

🇯🇵 簡潔な

🇫🇷 plus concis

🇪🇸 más conciso

🇹🇷 daha özlü

🇰🇷 더 간결한

🇸🇦 أكثر اختصارًا

🇨🇿 stručnější

🇸🇰 stručnejší

🇨🇳 更简洁

🇸🇮 bolj jedrnat

🇮🇸 meira hnitari

🇰🇿 қысқа

🇬🇪 მოკლე

🇦🇿 daha qısa

🇲🇽 más conciso

Etymology

The word 'terser' is derived from the Middle English 'ters', which itself can be traced back to the Latin term 'tersus', meaning 'wiped' or 'cleaned'. This notion of cleanliness is metaphorically connected to the clarity and simplicity sought in terser communication. Over time, 'terser' evolved to describe a style of speech or writing that is stripped of excess. Its popularity surged with the development of modern communication, where clear and direct expression has become paramount. In today's fast-paced world, the value of terseness is evident in various forms, including social media, where character limits often necessitate more concise forms of expression. The emphasis on terseness highlights a cultural shift towards valuing efficiency in language use.