Opposite of “verbose”
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
|
show 5 more comments
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
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
|
show 5 more comments
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
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
meaning single-word-requests adjectives antonyms
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
|
show 5 more comments
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
|
show 5 more comments
11 Answers
11
active
oldest
votes
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."
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
? orshorted
?
– 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
|
show 1 more comment
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.
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
orshorted
– 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
|
show 1 more comment
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
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
add a comment |
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.
add a comment |
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.
+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
add a comment |
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
2
+1 because brief is also the opposite of verbose in Zork.
– Bradd Szonye
Apr 19 '13 at 5:18
add a comment |
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.
add a comment |
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.
add a comment |
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.
add a comment |
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]
1
Brevity is not an adjective.
– RegDwigнt♦
Apr 24 '13 at 9:29
Wouldbereft
work in-place for an adjective?
– Hashbrown
51 mins ago
add a comment |
Pithy and meaty can be added to the list.
add a comment |
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11 Answers
11
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11 Answers
11
active
oldest
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active
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active
oldest
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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."
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
? orshorted
?
– 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
|
show 1 more comment
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."
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
? orshorted
?
– 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
|
show 1 more comment
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."
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."
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
? orshorted
?
– 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
|
show 1 more comment
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
? orshorted
?
– 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
|
show 1 more comment
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.
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
orshorted
– 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
|
show 1 more comment
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.
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
orshorted
– 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
|
show 1 more comment
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.
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.
edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:38
Community♦
1
1
answered Apr 17 '13 at 15:19
tchrist♦tchrist
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
orshorted
– 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
|
show 1 more comment
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
orshorted
– 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
|
show 1 more comment
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
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
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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
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
add a comment |
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
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
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
add a comment |
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
add a comment |
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.
add a comment |
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.
add a comment |
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.
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.
answered Apr 17 '13 at 18:01
Kristina LopezKristina Lopez
25.7k648104
25.7k648104
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add a comment |
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.
+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
add a comment |
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.
+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
add a comment |
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.
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.
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
add a comment |
+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
add a comment |
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
2
+1 because brief is also the opposite of verbose in Zork.
– Bradd Szonye
Apr 19 '13 at 5:18
add a comment |
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
2
+1 because brief is also the opposite of verbose in Zork.
– Bradd Szonye
Apr 19 '13 at 5:18
add a comment |
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
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
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
add a comment |
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
add a comment |
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.
add a comment |
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.
add a comment |
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.
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.
answered Apr 18 '13 at 16:39
lonesomedaylonesomeday
2781311
2781311
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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.
add a comment |
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.
add a comment |
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.
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.
edited Apr 24 '13 at 9:30
RegDwigнt♦
82.8k31281378
82.8k31281378
answered Apr 17 '13 at 21:04
LeFrenchWhoThinksHeSpeaksEngliLeFrenchWhoThinksHeSpeaksEngli
311
311
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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.
add a comment |
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.
add a comment |
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.
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.
edited 13 mins ago
answered Apr 18 '13 at 7:01
StephanStephan
621516
621516
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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]
1
Brevity is not an adjective.
– RegDwigнt♦
Apr 24 '13 at 9:29
Wouldbereft
work in-place for an adjective?
– Hashbrown
51 mins ago
add a comment |
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]
1
Brevity is not an adjective.
– RegDwigнt♦
Apr 24 '13 at 9:29
Wouldbereft
work in-place for an adjective?
– Hashbrown
51 mins ago
add a comment |
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]
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]
answered Apr 24 '13 at 9:27
AnshulAnshul
201125
201125
1
Brevity is not an adjective.
– RegDwigнt♦
Apr 24 '13 at 9:29
Wouldbereft
work in-place for an adjective?
– Hashbrown
51 mins ago
add a comment |
1
Brevity is not an adjective.
– RegDwigнt♦
Apr 24 '13 at 9:29
Wouldbereft
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
add a comment |
Pithy and meaty can be added to the list.
add a comment |
Pithy and meaty can be added to the list.
add a comment |
Pithy and meaty can be added to the list.
Pithy and meaty can be added to the list.
edited Apr 24 '13 at 9:32
RegDwigнt♦
82.8k31281378
82.8k31281378
answered Apr 24 '13 at 7:27
akshayakshay
91
91
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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).
Would you like to answer one of these unanswered questions instead?
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