What does laconism mean?
Laconism is the practice or style of communicating ideas in very few words. It implies economy, directness, and sometimes a deliberate lack of ornament, as in a remark that says exactly what is needed without elaboration. The word is especially associated with the inhabitants of ancient Laconia, the region containing Sparta, who were renowned in classical accounts for their terse speech. In modern English, laconism can describe either a person’s habitual manner of speaking or the character of a particular remark or literary style. It is usually formal and literary rather than conversational, and its connotation depends on context: it may suggest admirable precision and wit, but it can also imply an abruptness that leaves too much unsaid.
nounLaconism is the practice or style of expressing ideas concisely in few words, often with an austere or unsparing effect. It can also refer to a terse, laconic remark.
- The practice or quality of expressing something concisely in few words.
- A terse, unsparing remark or style of expression.
"His laconism made even the most ordinary announcement sound like a verdict."
"The editor preferred laconism to explanation."
"His reply was a model of laconism: one sentence that answered the question completely."
Plural is possible but uncommon, particularly when referring to a body of terse remarks or examples of terse expression.
"The essay explores the laconisms of wartime correspondence."
Laconism comes from Laconia, the ancient region associated with Sparta, whose inhabitants were famously reputed for brief, unadorned speech.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does laconism come from?
The word comes through Latin from Greek Lakōnismos, a noun associated with Laconia and the Laconians. The Greek term referred to the characteristic speech habits of the Laconians, especially the inhabitants of Sparta, who were celebrated in ancient literature for brief and laconic replies. English adopted the word in the 17th century, and it developed into a general term for a terse style of expression.
Related word forms
How laconism is actually used
Generally formal and literary. The word is often used to describe a deliberately brief style, and it may carry a slightly approving tone when associated with precision or wit, or a mildly critical tone when brevity obscures necessary detail.
Easily confused with laconism
Laconism is a noun naming a terse style or the habit of speaking briefly, while laconic is an adjective describing a person, remark, or style that is concise.
Laconism concerns brevity of expression, whereas lassitude refers to weariness or lack of energy.