What does terse mean?
Terse describes communication that is brief, direct, and economical with words. A terse statement gives its essential information without unnecessary detail, background, or explanation, and it may be valued for precision and clarity. The word can also carry a slightly negative implication: a terse reply may be efficient in a professional setting, but in a personal conversation it can sound abrupt, impatient, or unfriendly. Terse is especially useful when the available space or time is limited, as in a headline, summary, warning, or formal announcement. It is related in meaning to concise, succinct, brief, and laconic, although terse sometimes emphasizes the clipped or abrupt quality of the expression. Its usefulness lies in drawing attention to the economy of language: saying less can make the essential point more memorable, provided the wording remains complete and clear.
adjectiveBrief and compact in expression, using as few words as possible while conveying the needed meaning. It can also imply abruptness or a lack of elaboration.
- Expressed in few words; brief and compact.
- Abrupt or curt, especially because further explanation is withheld.
"His terse reply left no room for further discussion."
"The editor cut the report to a terse paragraph."
"His terse warning made everyone in the room fall silent."
From Latin tersus, meaning “rubbed” or “compressed,” terse originally described speech that had been stripped down.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does terse come from?
The English adjective terse was borrowed in the early 17th century from Latin tersus, meaning “rubbed, polished,” and by extension “compressed” or “brief.” Latin tersus was a participial form of tergere, “to rub or wipe,” and its figurative development reflects the idea of pressing material into a smaller space. The same Latin root underlies cognates including terge, tergiversate, and absterse.
Related word forms
How terse is actually used
Terse is neutral to formal in tone, but it can suggest an unfriendly or impatient manner when used of a person’s speech or manner.
Easily confused with terse
Terse means brief and concise, whereas tense means stretched, strained, or grammatically indicating time.