Wordier - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

descriptive language

Wordier refers to a style of writing or speaking that uses more words than necessary. It often implies that the communication is less concise and can sometimes be seen as overly elaborate or unnecessarily complicated.

Synonyms

long-winded, loquacious, prolix, verbose.

Examples of usage

The article was too wordier than needed, making it hard to follow.
Her speech became increasingly wordier, which diluted the main message.
He prefers clear and direct communication, avoiding wordier expressions.

Interesting Facts

Communication

In effective communication, being concise is often valued over being wordier, as it respects the listener's time.
Overly wordy explanations can lead to confusion, making the main point harder to grasp.
Public speaking experts often advise against being wordy to maintain audience engagement and clarity.

Literature

Many classic authors are known for their wordiness, using detailed descriptions to paint vivid imagery, like Charles Dickens.
In poetry, wordiness can create rhythm and mood, contributing to the overall aesthetic instead of diminishing meaning.
In contrast, modern writing often favors brevity, especially in digital communication where attention spans may be shorter.

Psychology

Research suggests that wordiness can sometimes be a sign of anxiety, as individuals may feel the need to over-explain.
Being wordy can affect how others perceive one’s intelligence or competence, sometimes negatively.
Conversely, using fewer words tends to be perceived as more confident and authoritative in conversation.

Media and Pop Culture

Television shows and movies often poke fun at wordy characters, showing how excessive language can create comedic situations.
In advertising, being concise is usually preferred, as attention-grabbing slogans tend to work better than long, wordy explanations.
Social media trends tend to embrace brevity and wit, leading to a decline in wordiness in everyday communication.

Origin of 'wordier'

Main points about word origin

The word 'wordy' comes from 'word', meaning it directly relates to the use of language.
The suffix '-ier' makes it a comparative form, indicating more of the quality described by the base word.
Language has evolved to create adjectives and their comparative forms easily, making descriptions more nuanced.

The term 'wordy' comes from the combination of 'word', a unit of language, and the suffix '-y', which indicates a characteristic of. The evolution of 'wordy' can be traced back to the Middle English term 'worde,' which means 'a promise or statement.' The addition of the suffix suggests a quality related to the use of words. The comparative form 'wordier' was formed in English to describe something that is more wordy or verbose than something else. Over the centuries, the word has been used in various contexts, often to critique communication styles in literature, academia, and everyday conversation, emphasizing the preference for brevity and clarity.

Wordier Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations