Terse nods
/tɜrs nɑdz/
B2
Definition
"Terse nods" are brief and simple movements of the head up and down to say "yes" or show understanding. The word "terse" means using very few words or showing something in a short, sometimes slightly rude or serious way. Together, "terse nods" suggest people are agreeing or responding quickly without extra talking or emotion.
Was this helpful?
See It in Action
Quick, short nods showing agreement or understanding without extra words or emotion
- •The manager gave terse nods during the meeting, signaling approval without discussion.
- •She responded with terse nods, not wanting to talk more.
- •His terse nods showed he understood but was not interested in explaining.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "terse" like "short" or "quick," but with a slightly serious or no-nonsense feeling, and "nod" like "yes" with your head.
- ✓Picture someone nodding quickly once or twice without smiling or talking.
- ✓It's the feeling when you want to answer fast but don't want to say much or show much feeling.
- ✓Sounds like "TERSE nods" → imagine a teacher saying "TERSE" like "first" but faster, then quickly nodding to say "okay."
- ✓Think of a serious meeting where people give short nods instead of long talks.
- ✓NOT like "friendly nods" (warm, welcoming), "terse nods" are more cold or serious.
- ✓NOT like "slow nods" (calm, thoughtful), these are fast and brief.
- ✓NOT like "shaking head" (no), these nods mean yes or agreement but without warmth.
Try Other Words
- •Brief nods: short nods (Use when you want to say the nods are short but not necessarily serious or cold)
- •Curt nods: short and a little rude or cold (Use when you want to emphasize coldness or rudeness)
- •Quick nods: fast nods (Use when focusing on speed, not tone)
Unboxing
- •"terse": from Latin "tersus," meaning rubbed or polished; now means brief and to the point, sometimes with a sharp tone
- •"nod": Old English "hnottian," meaning to move the head up and down to say yes or agree
- •Phrase combines adjective (terse) describing the noun (nods)
- •Used to describe a way of communicating agreement or understanding without words or emotion
- •Common in writing to show characters are serious, uninterested, or quick in their responses
Reflect & Connect
•When might someone use terse nods instead of speaking? What does this show about their feelings?
•How can you tell if a terse nod is polite or rude in a conversation?
Fill in the blanks
1.During the tense meeting, the boss gave terse nods to ___ any long discussion.
2.Her terse nods showed ___ understanding but no willingness to explain more.
3.Unlike friendly nods, terse nods often lack ___ or warmth.
4.People use terse nods when they want to agree ___ speaking.
5.The quick, terse nods ___ that the person was serious and focused.
6.When someone gives terse nods, they usually ___ many words.
7.The difference between a slow nod and terse nod is the ___ and emotion shown.