Terse

/tɜːrs/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

sparing in the use of words; abrupt.

His terse reply left no room for further discussion.

brief and concise in expression.

The report was terse but informative, getting straight to the point.

often seeming rude or unfriendly due to the brevity of expression.

She was taken aback by his terse tone during the meeting.

From Latin 'tersus', meaning 'wiped off, polished, clean'.

terse response

A response that is brief and may seem curt or abrupt.

terse style

A way of writing or speaking that is very concise and avoids superfluous details.

succinct

Marked by brevity and clarity.

laconic

Using few words; concise to the point of seeming rude or mysterious.

curt

Short and blunt in manner; often perceived as rude.

Short and blunt

That text you sent was really terse, didn't leave me much to go on.

No fluff

I appreciate someone who can be terse, just get to the point.