laconic
Adjective
Hard difficulty
What does “laconic” mean?
adjective.using very few words.
SAT Usage
this term is often found in passages discussing communication styles, literature, or historical figures known for their brevity. It emphasizes a directness or efficiency in speech that can reflect personality traits such as stoicism or confidence, distinguishing it from similar words like "terse," which may carry a more negative connotation of rudeness.
Common Confusions
Laconic implies a succinct and purposeful use of words, while terse usually suggests a brusque or curt manner that can come off as impolite or abrupt.
Do not choose verbose if the context emphasizes wordiness or elaboration rather than using very few words.
Example Sentences
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He was laconic, answering every question with a single word.