Opposite of “verbose”












18















One definition of verbose states:




characterized by the use of many or too many words; wordy: a verbose report.




Some (including the above link) suggest that the opposite is concise or laconic, however both mean covering much in few words.



Is there an opposite of verbose which means the use of too few words?



Here's a blog post about this, although it doesn't offer an alternative.










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  • Antonyms of verbose. The best two for your question are terse and curt, although the latter had a decided negative connotation of rudeness.

    – user21497
    Apr 17 '13 at 15:20






  • 1





    @hayden Certainly pauciloquent has “too few words” built right into it. Otherwise, just use multiple words.

    – tchrist
    Apr 17 '13 at 18:24








  • 1





    I would consider succinct the opposite, but it doesn't convey having too few words - it has just enough (which is much less than most people would use).

    – BlueRaja - Danny Pflughoeft
    Apr 17 '13 at 18:42






  • 1





    One-word answers should be allowed, just for this question.

    – Kaz
    Apr 17 '13 at 22:44






  • 1





    depending on how the rest of your sentence is structured, sparse worked for me as an antonym

    – Hashbrown
    48 mins ago
















18















One definition of verbose states:




characterized by the use of many or too many words; wordy: a verbose report.




Some (including the above link) suggest that the opposite is concise or laconic, however both mean covering much in few words.



Is there an opposite of verbose which means the use of too few words?



Here's a blog post about this, although it doesn't offer an alternative.










share|improve this question

























  • Antonyms of verbose. The best two for your question are terse and curt, although the latter had a decided negative connotation of rudeness.

    – user21497
    Apr 17 '13 at 15:20






  • 1





    @hayden Certainly pauciloquent has “too few words” built right into it. Otherwise, just use multiple words.

    – tchrist
    Apr 17 '13 at 18:24








  • 1





    I would consider succinct the opposite, but it doesn't convey having too few words - it has just enough (which is much less than most people would use).

    – BlueRaja - Danny Pflughoeft
    Apr 17 '13 at 18:42






  • 1





    One-word answers should be allowed, just for this question.

    – Kaz
    Apr 17 '13 at 22:44






  • 1





    depending on how the rest of your sentence is structured, sparse worked for me as an antonym

    – Hashbrown
    48 mins ago














18












18








18


4






One definition of verbose states:




characterized by the use of many or too many words; wordy: a verbose report.




Some (including the above link) suggest that the opposite is concise or laconic, however both mean covering much in few words.



Is there an opposite of verbose which means the use of too few words?



Here's a blog post about this, although it doesn't offer an alternative.










share|improve this question
















One definition of verbose states:




characterized by the use of many or too many words; wordy: a verbose report.




Some (including the above link) suggest that the opposite is concise or laconic, however both mean covering much in few words.



Is there an opposite of verbose which means the use of too few words?



Here's a blog post about this, although it doesn't offer an alternative.







meaning single-word-requests adjectives antonyms






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share|improve this question













share|improve this question




share|improve this question








edited Apr 4 '15 at 19:30









tchrist

108k28290464




108k28290464










asked Apr 17 '13 at 15:15









haydhayd

195128




195128













  • Antonyms of verbose. The best two for your question are terse and curt, although the latter had a decided negative connotation of rudeness.

    – user21497
    Apr 17 '13 at 15:20






  • 1





    @hayden Certainly pauciloquent has “too few words” built right into it. Otherwise, just use multiple words.

    – tchrist
    Apr 17 '13 at 18:24








  • 1





    I would consider succinct the opposite, but it doesn't convey having too few words - it has just enough (which is much less than most people would use).

    – BlueRaja - Danny Pflughoeft
    Apr 17 '13 at 18:42






  • 1





    One-word answers should be allowed, just for this question.

    – Kaz
    Apr 17 '13 at 22:44






  • 1





    depending on how the rest of your sentence is structured, sparse worked for me as an antonym

    – Hashbrown
    48 mins ago



















  • Antonyms of verbose. The best two for your question are terse and curt, although the latter had a decided negative connotation of rudeness.

    – user21497
    Apr 17 '13 at 15:20






  • 1





    @hayden Certainly pauciloquent has “too few words” built right into it. Otherwise, just use multiple words.

    – tchrist
    Apr 17 '13 at 18:24








  • 1





    I would consider succinct the opposite, but it doesn't convey having too few words - it has just enough (which is much less than most people would use).

    – BlueRaja - Danny Pflughoeft
    Apr 17 '13 at 18:42






  • 1





    One-word answers should be allowed, just for this question.

    – Kaz
    Apr 17 '13 at 22:44






  • 1





    depending on how the rest of your sentence is structured, sparse worked for me as an antonym

    – Hashbrown
    48 mins ago

















Antonyms of verbose. The best two for your question are terse and curt, although the latter had a decided negative connotation of rudeness.

– user21497
Apr 17 '13 at 15:20





Antonyms of verbose. The best two for your question are terse and curt, although the latter had a decided negative connotation of rudeness.

– user21497
Apr 17 '13 at 15:20




1




1





@hayden Certainly pauciloquent has “too few words” built right into it. Otherwise, just use multiple words.

– tchrist
Apr 17 '13 at 18:24







@hayden Certainly pauciloquent has “too few words” built right into it. Otherwise, just use multiple words.

– tchrist
Apr 17 '13 at 18:24






1




1





I would consider succinct the opposite, but it doesn't convey having too few words - it has just enough (which is much less than most people would use).

– BlueRaja - Danny Pflughoeft
Apr 17 '13 at 18:42





I would consider succinct the opposite, but it doesn't convey having too few words - it has just enough (which is much less than most people would use).

– BlueRaja - Danny Pflughoeft
Apr 17 '13 at 18:42




1




1





One-word answers should be allowed, just for this question.

– Kaz
Apr 17 '13 at 22:44





One-word answers should be allowed, just for this question.

– Kaz
Apr 17 '13 at 22:44




1




1





depending on how the rest of your sentence is structured, sparse worked for me as an antonym

– Hashbrown
48 mins ago





depending on how the rest of your sentence is structured, sparse worked for me as an antonym

– Hashbrown
48 mins ago










11 Answers
11






active

oldest

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45














Terse: sparing in the use of words; abrupt - "a terse statement". The current use according to OED is "Freed from verbal redundancy; neatly concise; compact and pithy in style or language."






share|improve this answer



















  • 1





    I’d argue that for the purpose of this question “terse” is almost a synonym to “concise”, neither means “too few words to express the content”.

    – Konrad Rudolph
    Apr 18 '13 at 12:04











  • @KonradRudolph: I agree with you, it doesn't fit the "too few" requirement... It is more "as little as possible". Then the right antonym may be simply : short ? or shorted ?

    – Olivier Dulac
    Apr 18 '13 at 12:20








  • 1





    @Olivier I actually think “curt” is the perfect antonym.

    – Konrad Rudolph
    Apr 18 '13 at 12:24






  • 1





    @KonradRudolph: it does indeed seem to fit nicely too. +1 to you.

    – Olivier Dulac
    Apr 18 '13 at 12:30






  • 4





    +1. It should also be noted that in hacker jargon, verbose and terse are pretty much perfect antonyms. Many linux command line tools have "terse" modes vs. "verbose" modes (to indicate how much status information they should output as they perform their operation).

    – Ben Lee
    Apr 19 '13 at 21:16





















13














If a simple curt is too short for you, there’s always pauciloquent, meaning with few words. All pauciloquies are by definition laconic ones rather than Polonian speeches.



Whether that implies that not enough words were curtly spoken by the tight-lipped orator, or just the right number, is open to individual interpretation.






share|improve this answer


























  • Whether or not it is what he wants, thank you for mentioning pauciloquent. Good word. Not sure if it covers 'too few', though ...

    – hunter2
    Apr 18 '13 at 5:29











  • @hunter2 It does. Pauci- specifically means “few” and -loquent means “speaking”. See also eloquent, grandiloquent, magniloquent, melliloquent, coproloquent.

    – tchrist
    Apr 18 '13 at 11:57













  • @tchrist: great word, but still "few speaking" doesn't induce "too few". "too few" indicates words are missing to be correct/complete. I propose: short or shorted

    – Olivier Dulac
    Apr 18 '13 at 12:22













  • Yes, I understand that it covers "few words", but as Olivier says, that doesn't strictly mean too few. I do recognize that 'paucity' generally suggests not just 'few', but 'too few', although the defn you linked doesn't suggest 'the too' - hence "not sure". As I said in a comment to the question, 'verbose' doesn't strictly mean too many, either, so ... IDK.

    – hunter2
    Apr 19 '13 at 2:56













  • Also, does coproloquent mean what I think it does? Wow ...

    – hunter2
    Apr 19 '13 at 2:57



















13














How about:



succinct


suc·cinct [suhk-singkt]


1. expressed in few words; concise; terse.


2. characterized by conciseness or verbal brevity.


3. compressed into a small area, scope, or compass.



From http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/succinct






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  • 2





    +1, because it was my first thought... but no, it does not mean "too few" words

    – sq33G
    Apr 18 '13 at 10:04











  • I guess I should have posted this as an answer instead of a comment...

    – BlueRaja - Danny Pflughoeft
    Apr 19 '13 at 15:23



















7














Someone who is "taciturn" speaks little.




Definition from the Free Online Dictionary: habitually silent,
reserved, or uncommunicative; not inclined to conversation [from Latin
taciturnus, from tacitus silent, from tacēre to be silent]




A more colorful way to describe a person who uses too few words is "tight-lipped", though this can mean, depending on context, that someone is not willing to speak, as if they are keeping a secret.






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    5














    I always liked the word laconic.




    using or involving the use of a minimum of words : concise to the point of seeming rude or mysterious - Definition from Miriam Webster




    Although I don't get enough opportunities to use it. In the sense of "consise to the point of seeming rude", it implies the use of too few words.






    share|improve this answer


























    • +1 I particularly like the fact that this ultimately derives from Sparta - see dictionary.reference.com/browse/laconic .

      – user11752
      Apr 24 '13 at 9:06



















    4














    yet another option would be brief



    brief 
    adj. brief·er, brief·est
    1. Short in time, duration, length, or extent.
    2. Succinct; concise: a brief account of the incident.
    3. Curt; abrupt.
    n.
    1. A short, succinct statement.
    2. A condensation or an abstract of a larger document or series of documents.


    particularly the 3rd definition as an adjective seems to fit






    share|improve this answer



















    • 2





      +1 because brief is also the opposite of verbose in Zork.

      – Bradd Szonye
      Apr 19 '13 at 5:18



















    3














    I don't think there is a regularly-used, modern English word that means "too few words to convey meaning". There is, however, one word that does mean that, albeit as a rarely-used meaning in modern use.



    That word is elliptic. Elliptic, as Merriam-Webster defines it, has two principal meanings:




    1: of, relating to, or shaped like an ellipse



    2



    a : of, relating to, or marked by ellipsis or an ellipsis



    b (1) : of, relating to, or marked by extreme economy of speech or writing (2) : of or relating to deliberate obscurity (as of literary or conversational style)




    It definitely has the sense of concision and omission of important detail. "An elliptic report", to my mind, would be one that was not thorough or complete, perhaps leaping to conclusions without sufficient justification, etc.



    With all that said, however, for most people elliptical would refer to the shape.






    share|improve this answer































      3














      I am not English so be kind. But from French, I would say succinct would be my first choice, brief, concise, expressed with very little words.



      I don't think you can find the perfect opposite for "too many words", because with "not enough words" you can't really express anything but meaningless sentences. Maybe with "an explanation being too brief"



      Also we have condensé in French, don't know if you can say condensed in English, as something with a higher density.






      share|improve this answer

































        2














        These all depend on context, but if I wanted to express that someone used too few words to get a concept across, I might use the following to describe their delivery:




        • bare

        • lacking

        • wanting

        • needing

        • incomplete


        These are perhaps not antonyms to "verbose" specifically, but I hope they help.






        share|improve this answer

































          0














          How about brevity ?



          Cambridge Dictionary describes it as "using only a few words or lasting only a short time".



          Also, here



          brevity [ˈbrɛvɪtɪ]
          n pl -ties
          1. conciseness of expression; lack of verbosity
          2. a short duration; brief time
          [from Latin brevitās shortness, from brevis brief]





          share|improve this answer



















          • 1





            Brevity is not an adjective.

            – RegDwigнt
            Apr 24 '13 at 9:29











          • Would bereft work in-place for an adjective?

            – Hashbrown
            51 mins ago



















          -1














          Pithy and meaty can be added to the list.






          share|improve this answer
























            protected by tchrist Mar 1 '15 at 19:26



            Thank you for your interest in this question.
            Because it has attracted low-quality or spam answers that had to be removed, posting an answer now requires 10 reputation on this site (the association bonus does not count).



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            11 Answers
            11






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            11 Answers
            11






            active

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            45














            Terse: sparing in the use of words; abrupt - "a terse statement". The current use according to OED is "Freed from verbal redundancy; neatly concise; compact and pithy in style or language."






            share|improve this answer



















            • 1





              I’d argue that for the purpose of this question “terse” is almost a synonym to “concise”, neither means “too few words to express the content”.

              – Konrad Rudolph
              Apr 18 '13 at 12:04











            • @KonradRudolph: I agree with you, it doesn't fit the "too few" requirement... It is more "as little as possible". Then the right antonym may be simply : short ? or shorted ?

              – Olivier Dulac
              Apr 18 '13 at 12:20








            • 1





              @Olivier I actually think “curt” is the perfect antonym.

              – Konrad Rudolph
              Apr 18 '13 at 12:24






            • 1





              @KonradRudolph: it does indeed seem to fit nicely too. +1 to you.

              – Olivier Dulac
              Apr 18 '13 at 12:30






            • 4





              +1. It should also be noted that in hacker jargon, verbose and terse are pretty much perfect antonyms. Many linux command line tools have "terse" modes vs. "verbose" modes (to indicate how much status information they should output as they perform their operation).

              – Ben Lee
              Apr 19 '13 at 21:16


















            45














            Terse: sparing in the use of words; abrupt - "a terse statement". The current use according to OED is "Freed from verbal redundancy; neatly concise; compact and pithy in style or language."






            share|improve this answer



















            • 1





              I’d argue that for the purpose of this question “terse” is almost a synonym to “concise”, neither means “too few words to express the content”.

              – Konrad Rudolph
              Apr 18 '13 at 12:04











            • @KonradRudolph: I agree with you, it doesn't fit the "too few" requirement... It is more "as little as possible". Then the right antonym may be simply : short ? or shorted ?

              – Olivier Dulac
              Apr 18 '13 at 12:20








            • 1





              @Olivier I actually think “curt” is the perfect antonym.

              – Konrad Rudolph
              Apr 18 '13 at 12:24






            • 1





              @KonradRudolph: it does indeed seem to fit nicely too. +1 to you.

              – Olivier Dulac
              Apr 18 '13 at 12:30






            • 4





              +1. It should also be noted that in hacker jargon, verbose and terse are pretty much perfect antonyms. Many linux command line tools have "terse" modes vs. "verbose" modes (to indicate how much status information they should output as they perform their operation).

              – Ben Lee
              Apr 19 '13 at 21:16
















            45












            45








            45







            Terse: sparing in the use of words; abrupt - "a terse statement". The current use according to OED is "Freed from verbal redundancy; neatly concise; compact and pithy in style or language."






            share|improve this answer













            Terse: sparing in the use of words; abrupt - "a terse statement". The current use according to OED is "Freed from verbal redundancy; neatly concise; compact and pithy in style or language."







            share|improve this answer












            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer










            answered Apr 17 '13 at 15:18









            VladtnVladtn

            1,3291215




            1,3291215








            • 1





              I’d argue that for the purpose of this question “terse” is almost a synonym to “concise”, neither means “too few words to express the content”.

              – Konrad Rudolph
              Apr 18 '13 at 12:04











            • @KonradRudolph: I agree with you, it doesn't fit the "too few" requirement... It is more "as little as possible". Then the right antonym may be simply : short ? or shorted ?

              – Olivier Dulac
              Apr 18 '13 at 12:20








            • 1





              @Olivier I actually think “curt” is the perfect antonym.

              – Konrad Rudolph
              Apr 18 '13 at 12:24






            • 1





              @KonradRudolph: it does indeed seem to fit nicely too. +1 to you.

              – Olivier Dulac
              Apr 18 '13 at 12:30






            • 4





              +1. It should also be noted that in hacker jargon, verbose and terse are pretty much perfect antonyms. Many linux command line tools have "terse" modes vs. "verbose" modes (to indicate how much status information they should output as they perform their operation).

              – Ben Lee
              Apr 19 '13 at 21:16
















            • 1





              I’d argue that for the purpose of this question “terse” is almost a synonym to “concise”, neither means “too few words to express the content”.

              – Konrad Rudolph
              Apr 18 '13 at 12:04











            • @KonradRudolph: I agree with you, it doesn't fit the "too few" requirement... It is more "as little as possible". Then the right antonym may be simply : short ? or shorted ?

              – Olivier Dulac
              Apr 18 '13 at 12:20








            • 1





              @Olivier I actually think “curt” is the perfect antonym.

              – Konrad Rudolph
              Apr 18 '13 at 12:24






            • 1





              @KonradRudolph: it does indeed seem to fit nicely too. +1 to you.

              – Olivier Dulac
              Apr 18 '13 at 12:30






            • 4





              +1. It should also be noted that in hacker jargon, verbose and terse are pretty much perfect antonyms. Many linux command line tools have "terse" modes vs. "verbose" modes (to indicate how much status information they should output as they perform their operation).

              – Ben Lee
              Apr 19 '13 at 21:16










            1




            1





            I’d argue that for the purpose of this question “terse” is almost a synonym to “concise”, neither means “too few words to express the content”.

            – Konrad Rudolph
            Apr 18 '13 at 12:04





            I’d argue that for the purpose of this question “terse” is almost a synonym to “concise”, neither means “too few words to express the content”.

            – Konrad Rudolph
            Apr 18 '13 at 12:04













            @KonradRudolph: I agree with you, it doesn't fit the "too few" requirement... It is more "as little as possible". Then the right antonym may be simply : short ? or shorted ?

            – Olivier Dulac
            Apr 18 '13 at 12:20







            @KonradRudolph: I agree with you, it doesn't fit the "too few" requirement... It is more "as little as possible". Then the right antonym may be simply : short ? or shorted ?

            – Olivier Dulac
            Apr 18 '13 at 12:20






            1




            1





            @Olivier I actually think “curt” is the perfect antonym.

            – Konrad Rudolph
            Apr 18 '13 at 12:24





            @Olivier I actually think “curt” is the perfect antonym.

            – Konrad Rudolph
            Apr 18 '13 at 12:24




            1




            1





            @KonradRudolph: it does indeed seem to fit nicely too. +1 to you.

            – Olivier Dulac
            Apr 18 '13 at 12:30





            @KonradRudolph: it does indeed seem to fit nicely too. +1 to you.

            – Olivier Dulac
            Apr 18 '13 at 12:30




            4




            4





            +1. It should also be noted that in hacker jargon, verbose and terse are pretty much perfect antonyms. Many linux command line tools have "terse" modes vs. "verbose" modes (to indicate how much status information they should output as they perform their operation).

            – Ben Lee
            Apr 19 '13 at 21:16







            +1. It should also be noted that in hacker jargon, verbose and terse are pretty much perfect antonyms. Many linux command line tools have "terse" modes vs. "verbose" modes (to indicate how much status information they should output as they perform their operation).

            – Ben Lee
            Apr 19 '13 at 21:16















            13














            If a simple curt is too short for you, there’s always pauciloquent, meaning with few words. All pauciloquies are by definition laconic ones rather than Polonian speeches.



            Whether that implies that not enough words were curtly spoken by the tight-lipped orator, or just the right number, is open to individual interpretation.






            share|improve this answer


























            • Whether or not it is what he wants, thank you for mentioning pauciloquent. Good word. Not sure if it covers 'too few', though ...

              – hunter2
              Apr 18 '13 at 5:29











            • @hunter2 It does. Pauci- specifically means “few” and -loquent means “speaking”. See also eloquent, grandiloquent, magniloquent, melliloquent, coproloquent.

              – tchrist
              Apr 18 '13 at 11:57













            • @tchrist: great word, but still "few speaking" doesn't induce "too few". "too few" indicates words are missing to be correct/complete. I propose: short or shorted

              – Olivier Dulac
              Apr 18 '13 at 12:22













            • Yes, I understand that it covers "few words", but as Olivier says, that doesn't strictly mean too few. I do recognize that 'paucity' generally suggests not just 'few', but 'too few', although the defn you linked doesn't suggest 'the too' - hence "not sure". As I said in a comment to the question, 'verbose' doesn't strictly mean too many, either, so ... IDK.

              – hunter2
              Apr 19 '13 at 2:56













            • Also, does coproloquent mean what I think it does? Wow ...

              – hunter2
              Apr 19 '13 at 2:57
















            13














            If a simple curt is too short for you, there’s always pauciloquent, meaning with few words. All pauciloquies are by definition laconic ones rather than Polonian speeches.



            Whether that implies that not enough words were curtly spoken by the tight-lipped orator, or just the right number, is open to individual interpretation.






            share|improve this answer


























            • Whether or not it is what he wants, thank you for mentioning pauciloquent. Good word. Not sure if it covers 'too few', though ...

              – hunter2
              Apr 18 '13 at 5:29











            • @hunter2 It does. Pauci- specifically means “few” and -loquent means “speaking”. See also eloquent, grandiloquent, magniloquent, melliloquent, coproloquent.

              – tchrist
              Apr 18 '13 at 11:57













            • @tchrist: great word, but still "few speaking" doesn't induce "too few". "too few" indicates words are missing to be correct/complete. I propose: short or shorted

              – Olivier Dulac
              Apr 18 '13 at 12:22













            • Yes, I understand that it covers "few words", but as Olivier says, that doesn't strictly mean too few. I do recognize that 'paucity' generally suggests not just 'few', but 'too few', although the defn you linked doesn't suggest 'the too' - hence "not sure". As I said in a comment to the question, 'verbose' doesn't strictly mean too many, either, so ... IDK.

              – hunter2
              Apr 19 '13 at 2:56













            • Also, does coproloquent mean what I think it does? Wow ...

              – hunter2
              Apr 19 '13 at 2:57














            13












            13








            13







            If a simple curt is too short for you, there’s always pauciloquent, meaning with few words. All pauciloquies are by definition laconic ones rather than Polonian speeches.



            Whether that implies that not enough words were curtly spoken by the tight-lipped orator, or just the right number, is open to individual interpretation.






            share|improve this answer















            If a simple curt is too short for you, there’s always pauciloquent, meaning with few words. All pauciloquies are by definition laconic ones rather than Polonian speeches.



            Whether that implies that not enough words were curtly spoken by the tight-lipped orator, or just the right number, is open to individual interpretation.







            share|improve this answer














            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer








            edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:38









            Community

            1




            1










            answered Apr 17 '13 at 15:19









            tchristtchrist

            108k28290464




            108k28290464













            • Whether or not it is what he wants, thank you for mentioning pauciloquent. Good word. Not sure if it covers 'too few', though ...

              – hunter2
              Apr 18 '13 at 5:29











            • @hunter2 It does. Pauci- specifically means “few” and -loquent means “speaking”. See also eloquent, grandiloquent, magniloquent, melliloquent, coproloquent.

              – tchrist
              Apr 18 '13 at 11:57













            • @tchrist: great word, but still "few speaking" doesn't induce "too few". "too few" indicates words are missing to be correct/complete. I propose: short or shorted

              – Olivier Dulac
              Apr 18 '13 at 12:22













            • Yes, I understand that it covers "few words", but as Olivier says, that doesn't strictly mean too few. I do recognize that 'paucity' generally suggests not just 'few', but 'too few', although the defn you linked doesn't suggest 'the too' - hence "not sure". As I said in a comment to the question, 'verbose' doesn't strictly mean too many, either, so ... IDK.

              – hunter2
              Apr 19 '13 at 2:56













            • Also, does coproloquent mean what I think it does? Wow ...

              – hunter2
              Apr 19 '13 at 2:57



















            • Whether or not it is what he wants, thank you for mentioning pauciloquent. Good word. Not sure if it covers 'too few', though ...

              – hunter2
              Apr 18 '13 at 5:29











            • @hunter2 It does. Pauci- specifically means “few” and -loquent means “speaking”. See also eloquent, grandiloquent, magniloquent, melliloquent, coproloquent.

              – tchrist
              Apr 18 '13 at 11:57













            • @tchrist: great word, but still "few speaking" doesn't induce "too few". "too few" indicates words are missing to be correct/complete. I propose: short or shorted

              – Olivier Dulac
              Apr 18 '13 at 12:22













            • Yes, I understand that it covers "few words", but as Olivier says, that doesn't strictly mean too few. I do recognize that 'paucity' generally suggests not just 'few', but 'too few', although the defn you linked doesn't suggest 'the too' - hence "not sure". As I said in a comment to the question, 'verbose' doesn't strictly mean too many, either, so ... IDK.

              – hunter2
              Apr 19 '13 at 2:56













            • Also, does coproloquent mean what I think it does? Wow ...

              – hunter2
              Apr 19 '13 at 2:57

















            Whether or not it is what he wants, thank you for mentioning pauciloquent. Good word. Not sure if it covers 'too few', though ...

            – hunter2
            Apr 18 '13 at 5:29





            Whether or not it is what he wants, thank you for mentioning pauciloquent. Good word. Not sure if it covers 'too few', though ...

            – hunter2
            Apr 18 '13 at 5:29













            @hunter2 It does. Pauci- specifically means “few” and -loquent means “speaking”. See also eloquent, grandiloquent, magniloquent, melliloquent, coproloquent.

            – tchrist
            Apr 18 '13 at 11:57







            @hunter2 It does. Pauci- specifically means “few” and -loquent means “speaking”. See also eloquent, grandiloquent, magniloquent, melliloquent, coproloquent.

            – tchrist
            Apr 18 '13 at 11:57















            @tchrist: great word, but still "few speaking" doesn't induce "too few". "too few" indicates words are missing to be correct/complete. I propose: short or shorted

            – Olivier Dulac
            Apr 18 '13 at 12:22







            @tchrist: great word, but still "few speaking" doesn't induce "too few". "too few" indicates words are missing to be correct/complete. I propose: short or shorted

            – Olivier Dulac
            Apr 18 '13 at 12:22















            Yes, I understand that it covers "few words", but as Olivier says, that doesn't strictly mean too few. I do recognize that 'paucity' generally suggests not just 'few', but 'too few', although the defn you linked doesn't suggest 'the too' - hence "not sure". As I said in a comment to the question, 'verbose' doesn't strictly mean too many, either, so ... IDK.

            – hunter2
            Apr 19 '13 at 2:56







            Yes, I understand that it covers "few words", but as Olivier says, that doesn't strictly mean too few. I do recognize that 'paucity' generally suggests not just 'few', but 'too few', although the defn you linked doesn't suggest 'the too' - hence "not sure". As I said in a comment to the question, 'verbose' doesn't strictly mean too many, either, so ... IDK.

            – hunter2
            Apr 19 '13 at 2:56















            Also, does coproloquent mean what I think it does? Wow ...

            – hunter2
            Apr 19 '13 at 2:57





            Also, does coproloquent mean what I think it does? Wow ...

            – hunter2
            Apr 19 '13 at 2:57











            13














            How about:



            succinct


            suc·cinct [suhk-singkt]


            1. expressed in few words; concise; terse.


            2. characterized by conciseness or verbal brevity.


            3. compressed into a small area, scope, or compass.



            From http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/succinct






            share|improve this answer



















            • 2





              +1, because it was my first thought... but no, it does not mean "too few" words

              – sq33G
              Apr 18 '13 at 10:04











            • I guess I should have posted this as an answer instead of a comment...

              – BlueRaja - Danny Pflughoeft
              Apr 19 '13 at 15:23
















            13














            How about:



            succinct


            suc·cinct [suhk-singkt]


            1. expressed in few words; concise; terse.


            2. characterized by conciseness or verbal brevity.


            3. compressed into a small area, scope, or compass.



            From http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/succinct






            share|improve this answer



















            • 2





              +1, because it was my first thought... but no, it does not mean "too few" words

              – sq33G
              Apr 18 '13 at 10:04











            • I guess I should have posted this as an answer instead of a comment...

              – BlueRaja - Danny Pflughoeft
              Apr 19 '13 at 15:23














            13












            13








            13







            How about:



            succinct


            suc·cinct [suhk-singkt]


            1. expressed in few words; concise; terse.


            2. characterized by conciseness or verbal brevity.


            3. compressed into a small area, scope, or compass.



            From http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/succinct






            share|improve this answer













            How about:



            succinct


            suc·cinct [suhk-singkt]


            1. expressed in few words; concise; terse.


            2. characterized by conciseness or verbal brevity.


            3. compressed into a small area, scope, or compass.



            From http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/succinct







            share|improve this answer












            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer










            answered Apr 17 '13 at 21:25









            D.K.D.K.

            1312




            1312








            • 2





              +1, because it was my first thought... but no, it does not mean "too few" words

              – sq33G
              Apr 18 '13 at 10:04











            • I guess I should have posted this as an answer instead of a comment...

              – BlueRaja - Danny Pflughoeft
              Apr 19 '13 at 15:23














            • 2





              +1, because it was my first thought... but no, it does not mean "too few" words

              – sq33G
              Apr 18 '13 at 10:04











            • I guess I should have posted this as an answer instead of a comment...

              – BlueRaja - Danny Pflughoeft
              Apr 19 '13 at 15:23








            2




            2





            +1, because it was my first thought... but no, it does not mean "too few" words

            – sq33G
            Apr 18 '13 at 10:04





            +1, because it was my first thought... but no, it does not mean "too few" words

            – sq33G
            Apr 18 '13 at 10:04













            I guess I should have posted this as an answer instead of a comment...

            – BlueRaja - Danny Pflughoeft
            Apr 19 '13 at 15:23





            I guess I should have posted this as an answer instead of a comment...

            – BlueRaja - Danny Pflughoeft
            Apr 19 '13 at 15:23











            7














            Someone who is "taciturn" speaks little.




            Definition from the Free Online Dictionary: habitually silent,
            reserved, or uncommunicative; not inclined to conversation [from Latin
            taciturnus, from tacitus silent, from tacēre to be silent]




            A more colorful way to describe a person who uses too few words is "tight-lipped", though this can mean, depending on context, that someone is not willing to speak, as if they are keeping a secret.






            share|improve this answer




























              7














              Someone who is "taciturn" speaks little.




              Definition from the Free Online Dictionary: habitually silent,
              reserved, or uncommunicative; not inclined to conversation [from Latin
              taciturnus, from tacitus silent, from tacēre to be silent]




              A more colorful way to describe a person who uses too few words is "tight-lipped", though this can mean, depending on context, that someone is not willing to speak, as if they are keeping a secret.






              share|improve this answer


























                7












                7








                7







                Someone who is "taciturn" speaks little.




                Definition from the Free Online Dictionary: habitually silent,
                reserved, or uncommunicative; not inclined to conversation [from Latin
                taciturnus, from tacitus silent, from tacēre to be silent]




                A more colorful way to describe a person who uses too few words is "tight-lipped", though this can mean, depending on context, that someone is not willing to speak, as if they are keeping a secret.






                share|improve this answer













                Someone who is "taciturn" speaks little.




                Definition from the Free Online Dictionary: habitually silent,
                reserved, or uncommunicative; not inclined to conversation [from Latin
                taciturnus, from tacitus silent, from tacēre to be silent]




                A more colorful way to describe a person who uses too few words is "tight-lipped", though this can mean, depending on context, that someone is not willing to speak, as if they are keeping a secret.







                share|improve this answer












                share|improve this answer



                share|improve this answer










                answered Apr 17 '13 at 18:01









                Kristina LopezKristina Lopez

                25.7k648104




                25.7k648104























                    5














                    I always liked the word laconic.




                    using or involving the use of a minimum of words : concise to the point of seeming rude or mysterious - Definition from Miriam Webster




                    Although I don't get enough opportunities to use it. In the sense of "consise to the point of seeming rude", it implies the use of too few words.






                    share|improve this answer


























                    • +1 I particularly like the fact that this ultimately derives from Sparta - see dictionary.reference.com/browse/laconic .

                      – user11752
                      Apr 24 '13 at 9:06
















                    5














                    I always liked the word laconic.




                    using or involving the use of a minimum of words : concise to the point of seeming rude or mysterious - Definition from Miriam Webster




                    Although I don't get enough opportunities to use it. In the sense of "consise to the point of seeming rude", it implies the use of too few words.






                    share|improve this answer


























                    • +1 I particularly like the fact that this ultimately derives from Sparta - see dictionary.reference.com/browse/laconic .

                      – user11752
                      Apr 24 '13 at 9:06














                    5












                    5








                    5







                    I always liked the word laconic.




                    using or involving the use of a minimum of words : concise to the point of seeming rude or mysterious - Definition from Miriam Webster




                    Although I don't get enough opportunities to use it. In the sense of "consise to the point of seeming rude", it implies the use of too few words.






                    share|improve this answer















                    I always liked the word laconic.




                    using or involving the use of a minimum of words : concise to the point of seeming rude or mysterious - Definition from Miriam Webster




                    Although I don't get enough opportunities to use it. In the sense of "consise to the point of seeming rude", it implies the use of too few words.







                    share|improve this answer














                    share|improve this answer



                    share|improve this answer








                    edited Apr 18 '13 at 14:48

























                    answered Apr 17 '13 at 18:48









                    p.s.w.gp.s.w.g

                    6,96122750




                    6,96122750













                    • +1 I particularly like the fact that this ultimately derives from Sparta - see dictionary.reference.com/browse/laconic .

                      – user11752
                      Apr 24 '13 at 9:06



















                    • +1 I particularly like the fact that this ultimately derives from Sparta - see dictionary.reference.com/browse/laconic .

                      – user11752
                      Apr 24 '13 at 9:06

















                    +1 I particularly like the fact that this ultimately derives from Sparta - see dictionary.reference.com/browse/laconic .

                    – user11752
                    Apr 24 '13 at 9:06





                    +1 I particularly like the fact that this ultimately derives from Sparta - see dictionary.reference.com/browse/laconic .

                    – user11752
                    Apr 24 '13 at 9:06











                    4














                    yet another option would be brief



                    brief 
                    adj. brief·er, brief·est
                    1. Short in time, duration, length, or extent.
                    2. Succinct; concise: a brief account of the incident.
                    3. Curt; abrupt.
                    n.
                    1. A short, succinct statement.
                    2. A condensation or an abstract of a larger document or series of documents.


                    particularly the 3rd definition as an adjective seems to fit






                    share|improve this answer



















                    • 2





                      +1 because brief is also the opposite of verbose in Zork.

                      – Bradd Szonye
                      Apr 19 '13 at 5:18
















                    4














                    yet another option would be brief



                    brief 
                    adj. brief·er, brief·est
                    1. Short in time, duration, length, or extent.
                    2. Succinct; concise: a brief account of the incident.
                    3. Curt; abrupt.
                    n.
                    1. A short, succinct statement.
                    2. A condensation or an abstract of a larger document or series of documents.


                    particularly the 3rd definition as an adjective seems to fit






                    share|improve this answer



















                    • 2





                      +1 because brief is also the opposite of verbose in Zork.

                      – Bradd Szonye
                      Apr 19 '13 at 5:18














                    4












                    4








                    4







                    yet another option would be brief



                    brief 
                    adj. brief·er, brief·est
                    1. Short in time, duration, length, or extent.
                    2. Succinct; concise: a brief account of the incident.
                    3. Curt; abrupt.
                    n.
                    1. A short, succinct statement.
                    2. A condensation or an abstract of a larger document or series of documents.


                    particularly the 3rd definition as an adjective seems to fit






                    share|improve this answer













                    yet another option would be brief



                    brief 
                    adj. brief·er, brief·est
                    1. Short in time, duration, length, or extent.
                    2. Succinct; concise: a brief account of the incident.
                    3. Curt; abrupt.
                    n.
                    1. A short, succinct statement.
                    2. A condensation or an abstract of a larger document or series of documents.


                    particularly the 3rd definition as an adjective seems to fit







                    share|improve this answer












                    share|improve this answer



                    share|improve this answer










                    answered Apr 18 '13 at 11:52









                    jk.jk.

                    71448




                    71448








                    • 2





                      +1 because brief is also the opposite of verbose in Zork.

                      – Bradd Szonye
                      Apr 19 '13 at 5:18














                    • 2





                      +1 because brief is also the opposite of verbose in Zork.

                      – Bradd Szonye
                      Apr 19 '13 at 5:18








                    2




                    2





                    +1 because brief is also the opposite of verbose in Zork.

                    – Bradd Szonye
                    Apr 19 '13 at 5:18





                    +1 because brief is also the opposite of verbose in Zork.

                    – Bradd Szonye
                    Apr 19 '13 at 5:18











                    3














                    I don't think there is a regularly-used, modern English word that means "too few words to convey meaning". There is, however, one word that does mean that, albeit as a rarely-used meaning in modern use.



                    That word is elliptic. Elliptic, as Merriam-Webster defines it, has two principal meanings:




                    1: of, relating to, or shaped like an ellipse



                    2



                    a : of, relating to, or marked by ellipsis or an ellipsis



                    b (1) : of, relating to, or marked by extreme economy of speech or writing (2) : of or relating to deliberate obscurity (as of literary or conversational style)




                    It definitely has the sense of concision and omission of important detail. "An elliptic report", to my mind, would be one that was not thorough or complete, perhaps leaping to conclusions without sufficient justification, etc.



                    With all that said, however, for most people elliptical would refer to the shape.






                    share|improve this answer




























                      3














                      I don't think there is a regularly-used, modern English word that means "too few words to convey meaning". There is, however, one word that does mean that, albeit as a rarely-used meaning in modern use.



                      That word is elliptic. Elliptic, as Merriam-Webster defines it, has two principal meanings:




                      1: of, relating to, or shaped like an ellipse



                      2



                      a : of, relating to, or marked by ellipsis or an ellipsis



                      b (1) : of, relating to, or marked by extreme economy of speech or writing (2) : of or relating to deliberate obscurity (as of literary or conversational style)




                      It definitely has the sense of concision and omission of important detail. "An elliptic report", to my mind, would be one that was not thorough or complete, perhaps leaping to conclusions without sufficient justification, etc.



                      With all that said, however, for most people elliptical would refer to the shape.






                      share|improve this answer


























                        3












                        3








                        3







                        I don't think there is a regularly-used, modern English word that means "too few words to convey meaning". There is, however, one word that does mean that, albeit as a rarely-used meaning in modern use.



                        That word is elliptic. Elliptic, as Merriam-Webster defines it, has two principal meanings:




                        1: of, relating to, or shaped like an ellipse



                        2



                        a : of, relating to, or marked by ellipsis or an ellipsis



                        b (1) : of, relating to, or marked by extreme economy of speech or writing (2) : of or relating to deliberate obscurity (as of literary or conversational style)




                        It definitely has the sense of concision and omission of important detail. "An elliptic report", to my mind, would be one that was not thorough or complete, perhaps leaping to conclusions without sufficient justification, etc.



                        With all that said, however, for most people elliptical would refer to the shape.






                        share|improve this answer













                        I don't think there is a regularly-used, modern English word that means "too few words to convey meaning". There is, however, one word that does mean that, albeit as a rarely-used meaning in modern use.



                        That word is elliptic. Elliptic, as Merriam-Webster defines it, has two principal meanings:




                        1: of, relating to, or shaped like an ellipse



                        2



                        a : of, relating to, or marked by ellipsis or an ellipsis



                        b (1) : of, relating to, or marked by extreme economy of speech or writing (2) : of or relating to deliberate obscurity (as of literary or conversational style)




                        It definitely has the sense of concision and omission of important detail. "An elliptic report", to my mind, would be one that was not thorough or complete, perhaps leaping to conclusions without sufficient justification, etc.



                        With all that said, however, for most people elliptical would refer to the shape.







                        share|improve this answer












                        share|improve this answer



                        share|improve this answer










                        answered Apr 18 '13 at 16:39









                        lonesomedaylonesomeday

                        2781311




                        2781311























                            3














                            I am not English so be kind. But from French, I would say succinct would be my first choice, brief, concise, expressed with very little words.



                            I don't think you can find the perfect opposite for "too many words", because with "not enough words" you can't really express anything but meaningless sentences. Maybe with "an explanation being too brief"



                            Also we have condensé in French, don't know if you can say condensed in English, as something with a higher density.






                            share|improve this answer






























                              3














                              I am not English so be kind. But from French, I would say succinct would be my first choice, brief, concise, expressed with very little words.



                              I don't think you can find the perfect opposite for "too many words", because with "not enough words" you can't really express anything but meaningless sentences. Maybe with "an explanation being too brief"



                              Also we have condensé in French, don't know if you can say condensed in English, as something with a higher density.






                              share|improve this answer




























                                3












                                3








                                3







                                I am not English so be kind. But from French, I would say succinct would be my first choice, brief, concise, expressed with very little words.



                                I don't think you can find the perfect opposite for "too many words", because with "not enough words" you can't really express anything but meaningless sentences. Maybe with "an explanation being too brief"



                                Also we have condensé in French, don't know if you can say condensed in English, as something with a higher density.






                                share|improve this answer















                                I am not English so be kind. But from French, I would say succinct would be my first choice, brief, concise, expressed with very little words.



                                I don't think you can find the perfect opposite for "too many words", because with "not enough words" you can't really express anything but meaningless sentences. Maybe with "an explanation being too brief"



                                Also we have condensé in French, don't know if you can say condensed in English, as something with a higher density.







                                share|improve this answer














                                share|improve this answer



                                share|improve this answer








                                edited Apr 24 '13 at 9:30









                                RegDwigнt

                                82.8k31281378




                                82.8k31281378










                                answered Apr 17 '13 at 21:04









                                LeFrenchWhoThinksHeSpeaksEngliLeFrenchWhoThinksHeSpeaksEngli

                                311




                                311























                                    2














                                    These all depend on context, but if I wanted to express that someone used too few words to get a concept across, I might use the following to describe their delivery:




                                    • bare

                                    • lacking

                                    • wanting

                                    • needing

                                    • incomplete


                                    These are perhaps not antonyms to "verbose" specifically, but I hope they help.






                                    share|improve this answer






























                                      2














                                      These all depend on context, but if I wanted to express that someone used too few words to get a concept across, I might use the following to describe their delivery:




                                      • bare

                                      • lacking

                                      • wanting

                                      • needing

                                      • incomplete


                                      These are perhaps not antonyms to "verbose" specifically, but I hope they help.






                                      share|improve this answer




























                                        2












                                        2








                                        2







                                        These all depend on context, but if I wanted to express that someone used too few words to get a concept across, I might use the following to describe their delivery:




                                        • bare

                                        • lacking

                                        • wanting

                                        • needing

                                        • incomplete


                                        These are perhaps not antonyms to "verbose" specifically, but I hope they help.






                                        share|improve this answer















                                        These all depend on context, but if I wanted to express that someone used too few words to get a concept across, I might use the following to describe their delivery:




                                        • bare

                                        • lacking

                                        • wanting

                                        • needing

                                        • incomplete


                                        These are perhaps not antonyms to "verbose" specifically, but I hope they help.







                                        share|improve this answer














                                        share|improve this answer



                                        share|improve this answer








                                        edited 13 mins ago

























                                        answered Apr 18 '13 at 7:01









                                        StephanStephan

                                        621516




                                        621516























                                            0














                                            How about brevity ?



                                            Cambridge Dictionary describes it as "using only a few words or lasting only a short time".



                                            Also, here



                                            brevity [ˈbrɛvɪtɪ]
                                            n pl -ties
                                            1. conciseness of expression; lack of verbosity
                                            2. a short duration; brief time
                                            [from Latin brevitās shortness, from brevis brief]





                                            share|improve this answer



















                                            • 1





                                              Brevity is not an adjective.

                                              – RegDwigнt
                                              Apr 24 '13 at 9:29











                                            • Would bereft work in-place for an adjective?

                                              – Hashbrown
                                              51 mins ago
















                                            0














                                            How about brevity ?



                                            Cambridge Dictionary describes it as "using only a few words or lasting only a short time".



                                            Also, here



                                            brevity [ˈbrɛvɪtɪ]
                                            n pl -ties
                                            1. conciseness of expression; lack of verbosity
                                            2. a short duration; brief time
                                            [from Latin brevitās shortness, from brevis brief]





                                            share|improve this answer



















                                            • 1





                                              Brevity is not an adjective.

                                              – RegDwigнt
                                              Apr 24 '13 at 9:29











                                            • Would bereft work in-place for an adjective?

                                              – Hashbrown
                                              51 mins ago














                                            0












                                            0








                                            0







                                            How about brevity ?



                                            Cambridge Dictionary describes it as "using only a few words or lasting only a short time".



                                            Also, here



                                            brevity [ˈbrɛvɪtɪ]
                                            n pl -ties
                                            1. conciseness of expression; lack of verbosity
                                            2. a short duration; brief time
                                            [from Latin brevitās shortness, from brevis brief]





                                            share|improve this answer













                                            How about brevity ?



                                            Cambridge Dictionary describes it as "using only a few words or lasting only a short time".



                                            Also, here



                                            brevity [ˈbrɛvɪtɪ]
                                            n pl -ties
                                            1. conciseness of expression; lack of verbosity
                                            2. a short duration; brief time
                                            [from Latin brevitās shortness, from brevis brief]






                                            share|improve this answer












                                            share|improve this answer



                                            share|improve this answer










                                            answered Apr 24 '13 at 9:27









                                            AnshulAnshul

                                            201125




                                            201125








                                            • 1





                                              Brevity is not an adjective.

                                              – RegDwigнt
                                              Apr 24 '13 at 9:29











                                            • Would bereft work in-place for an adjective?

                                              – Hashbrown
                                              51 mins ago














                                            • 1





                                              Brevity is not an adjective.

                                              – RegDwigнt
                                              Apr 24 '13 at 9:29











                                            • Would bereft work in-place for an adjective?

                                              – Hashbrown
                                              51 mins ago








                                            1




                                            1





                                            Brevity is not an adjective.

                                            – RegDwigнt
                                            Apr 24 '13 at 9:29





                                            Brevity is not an adjective.

                                            – RegDwigнt
                                            Apr 24 '13 at 9:29













                                            Would bereft work in-place for an adjective?

                                            – Hashbrown
                                            51 mins ago





                                            Would bereft work in-place for an adjective?

                                            – Hashbrown
                                            51 mins ago











                                            -1














                                            Pithy and meaty can be added to the list.






                                            share|improve this answer






























                                              -1














                                              Pithy and meaty can be added to the list.






                                              share|improve this answer




























                                                -1












                                                -1








                                                -1







                                                Pithy and meaty can be added to the list.






                                                share|improve this answer















                                                Pithy and meaty can be added to the list.







                                                share|improve this answer














                                                share|improve this answer



                                                share|improve this answer








                                                edited Apr 24 '13 at 9:32









                                                RegDwigнt

                                                82.8k31281378




                                                82.8k31281378










                                                answered Apr 24 '13 at 7:27









                                                akshayakshay

                                                91




                                                91

















                                                    protected by tchrist Mar 1 '15 at 19:26



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