Laconic

Pronunciation

• RP IPA: /ləˈkÉ’nɪk/
• GenAm IPA: /ləˈkÉ‘nɪk/
• Rhymes: -É’nɪk

Origin

From Latin Lacōnicus ("Spartan"), from Ancient Greek Λακωνικός (Lakōnikos, "Laconian"). Laconia was the region inhabited and ruled by the Spartans, who were known for their brevity in speech.

Full definition of laconic

Adjective

1. Using as few words as possible; pithy and concise.
• Alexander PopeI grow laconic even beyond laconicism; for sometimes I return only yes, or no, to questionary or petitionary epistles of half a yard long.
• WelwoodHis sense was strong and his style laconic.

Synonyms

• concise, pithy, terse

Antonyms

• bombastic, long-winded, verbose, loquacious, prolix

Related terms

• laconical
• laconically
• spartan

Anagrams

• conical