Laconic
/ləˈkɑːnɪk/
adjectiveC1
Definition
Laconic describes a way of speaking or writing that uses only a few words. It means being brief and to the point, sometimes so short that it can seem a little cold or serious. People who are laconic do not add extra details or explanations.
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See It in Action
Describing a style of speaking or writing that uses very few words
- •His laconic reply made it clear he was not interested.
- •The report was laconic but contained all the necessary information.
- •She gave a laconic answer when asked about her plans.
Showing a serious or sometimes slightly unfriendly attitude through brief speech
- •The coach’s laconic comments made the players nervous.
- •His laconic tone suggested he was upset but did not want to explain.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "laconic" like "short" or "brief," but more about style—using the smallest number of words needed
- ✓Picture a person answering questions with just one or two words, like "Yes" or "No," without extra talk
- ✓It's the feeling when someone talks quietly and quickly, giving only the important facts, maybe making you wonder if they want to say more
- ✓Sounds like "la-CON-ic" → imagine someone saying "Come on, quick!" but very shortly, without extra words
- ✓Think of famous movie characters who speak little but mean a lot, like Clint Eastwood’s quiet heroes
- ✓NOT like "talkative" (who uses many words), laconic is almost the opposite—quiet and very brief
- ✓NOT like "rude" necessarily, but sometimes laconic can feel a little cold or distant because of few words
- ✓NOT like "simple" (easy to understand), laconic focuses on few words, not always easy or simple language
Try Other Words
- •Concise: meaning clear and short (Use when you want to say something is short but still clear and complete)
- •Terse: meaning very short and sometimes a little rude (Use when the shortness feels sharp or unfriendly)
- •Succinct: meaning expressed in few words without extra detail (Use in formal writing or speech to show neat, clear brevity)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: from Greek "Lakonikos" meaning "from Laconia," a region in ancient Greece
- •Etymology: Ancient Spartans from Laconia were famous for speaking briefly and directly
- •Historical development: The word came into English in the 18th century to describe this Spartan style of speech
- •Modern usage: Used to describe people, writing, or speech that is very short and to the point, often serious or formal
Reflect & Connect
•Can being laconic be helpful in some situations but rude in others? When might that happen?
•How does laconic speech affect how we understand a person’s feelings or attitude?
Fill in the blanks
1.His laconic answer ___ many questions because he gave very few details.
2.When someone is laconic, they usually speak ___ and avoid long explanations.
3.A laconic reply can sometimes seem ___ or unfriendly, even if it is not meant that way.
4.Unlike a talkative person, a laconic speaker uses ___ words to express ideas.
5.In writing, being laconic means using ___ sentences without extra information.
6.People who are laconic often ___ their thoughts quickly without adding feelings.
7.The manager’s laconic style made the meeting ___ but clear.