Succinct
/səkˈsɪŋkt/
adjectiveB2
Definition
Succinct describes language that is short and to the point. When someone is succinct, they do not use extra or unnecessary words. Their message is clear and easy to understand because it is simple and brief.
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See It in Action
Brief and clear in speech or writing
- •Her explanation was succinct and easy to follow.
- •Please keep your answers succinct during the meeting.
- •The report was succinct but included all necessary details.
Expressing ideas clearly in a few words
- •The instructions were succinct, so everyone understood them quickly.
- •A succinct summary helps readers get the main points fast.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "succinct" like "short," but with the important meaning kept—no extra or long parts.
- ✓Picture a short note or message that tells you exactly what you need to know without extra details.
- ✓It's the feeling when someone explains something quickly and clearly, saving your time.
- ✓Sounds like "suck-SINKT" → imagine sinking straight down quickly without floating around, just going straight to the point.
- ✓Think of a teacher giving a quick summary at the end of a lesson—everything important in a small package.
- ✓NOT like "long" or "wordy" (many words), "succinct" is brief and clear.
- ✓NOT like "vague" (not clear), "succinct" is clear and direct.
- ✓NOT like "simple" (easy to understand), "succinct" focuses on being short and complete at the same time.
Try Other Words
- •Concise: short and clear (Use when you want to emphasize clear and exact language)
- •Short: not long (Use when only length matters, not clarity)
- •To the point: directly focused on the main idea (Use in informal speech)
- •Terse: very short, sometimes too short or rude (Use carefully, as it can sound negative)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: from Latin "succinctus" meaning "girded" or "tied up tightly," suggesting something wrapped up tightly or made short
- •Etymology: Latin origin, past participle of "succingere" meaning "to gird under" or "to tuck up"
- •Historical development: Originally meant "to tie up tightly," later used metaphorically for speech or writing that is tightly packed with meaning
- •Modern usage: Used to describe speech or writing that is brief and clear without unnecessary words
Reflect & Connect
•How can being succinct help you in everyday conversations or writing?
•Can being too succinct ever cause confusion? When might more explanation be better?
Fill in the blanks
1.When giving a presentation, it's important to be succinct so the audience ___ your main ideas quickly.
2.A succinct answer usually ___ extra details that are not needed.
3.Unlike long stories, succinct explanations focus only on the ___ points.
4.If someone speaks in a very succinct way, they often ___ a lot of time for others.
5.The teacher asked for a succinct summary, meaning it should be ___ and clear.
6.Being succinct in emails can help avoid ___ misunderstandings.
7.Sometimes, being too succinct can make your message ___ if you leave out important information.