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Tersely - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Tersely means using few words to express something clearly and concisely, often in a blunt or abrupt manner. It describes speech or writing that is brief and to the point.

tersely

/ˈtɜrsli/ /ˈtɜːsli/

Definition:

Briefly and clearly expressed, using few words.

Synonyms:

concisely, succinctly, curtly, abruptly

Part of Speech:

adverb

Antonyms:

verbosely, wordily, elaborately

Common Collocations:

speak tersely, reply tersely, write tersely

Derivatives:

terseness, terse

Usage Tips:

Use "tersely" to describe speech or writing that is brief and to the point, often implying sharpness or abruptness.

Common Phrases:

tersely worded, put it tersely, answer tersely

Etymology:

From Latin "tersus" (polished, neat), later meaning concise in English.

Examples:

  • 1. She answered tersely to avoid further questions.
  • 2. The manager spoke tersely during the meeting.
  • 3. He wrote a tersely worded email in response.
  • 4. Her instructions were delivered tersely but clearly.

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