terse
What does "terse" mean?
Terse describes language that is brief to the point of being unfriendly or abrupt. Imagine someone cutting a conversation short with as few words as possible, leaving no room for elaboration or warmth. It is typically used when someone’s brevity feels cold or dismissive. While "concise" is a compliment for being efficient, "terse" carries a negative connotation of impatience or irritation. It is often paired with words like "reply," "response," or "explanation."
"terse" in conversation
Workplace tension
Did you finish the report?
Did you finish the report?
Done.
Done.
Mark's one-word answer is a classic example of a terse response.
After an argument
Are we still going to dinner?
Are we still going to dinner?
I'm busy.
I'm busy.
The lack of an apology or explanation makes the response feel terse.
"terse" in a sentence
He gave a terse answer.
He gave a terse answer.
Her terse style of writing leaves little room for emotion.
Her terse style of writing leaves little room for emotion.
The manager issued a terse statement regarding the sudden layoffs.
The manager issued a terse statement regarding the sudden layoffs.
