1
Core quality
Expressing much clearly in relatively few words; brief without omitting what is essential.
Example
The abstract provides a concise summary of the findings.
concise
/kənˈsaɪs/ · kun-SYSEadjective
Expressing much clearly in relatively few words; brief without omitting what is essential.
Use concise to express this relationship precisely: expressing much clearly in relatively few words; brief without omitting what is essential.
What concise Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Attributive or predicative use
Use this adjective before a suitable noun or after a linking verb such as be or seem.
Example
Her answer was concise yet fully informative.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact descriptive quality matters; a related word may overlap without conveying the same trait.
Example
The revised guide is clearer and more concise.
Use concise Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The abstract provides a concise summary of the findings.
Her answer was concise yet fully informative.
The revised guide is clearer and more concise.
Precision Matters
Concise overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
concise
vs.Means expressing much clearly in relatively few words; brief without omitting what is essential.
circumlocution
Means an indirect, roundabout, and often needlessly wordy way of expressing something, especially to avoid a direct statement.
concise
vs.Means expressing much clearly in relatively few words; brief without omitting what is essential.
garrulous
Means excessively talkative, especially about unimportant matters.
concise
vs.Means expressing much clearly in relatively few words; brief without omitting what is essential.
didactic
Means intended to teach, instruct, or convey a moral lesson, sometimes too overtly.
concise
vs.Means expressing much clearly in relatively few words; brief without omitting what is essential.
succinct
Means brief, clear, and expressed without unnecessary words.
Test concise in Context
The paragraph communicates the necessary information clearly in few words.
1
The editor reduced the five-page explanation to a ___ paragraph that retained every essential point.