What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
brevity
Example
The speaker's brevity made the presentation more engaging. [brevity: noun]
Example
In order to keep the email concise, I summarized my points in a few sentences. [concise: adjective]
compactness
Example
The compactness of the suitcase allowed me to fit all my clothes for the trip. [compactness: noun]
Example
The tiny apartment was designed with compactness in mind, making the most of the limited space. [compactness: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Brevity is more commonly used than compactness in everyday language. Brevity is a versatile term that can be applied to various forms of communication, while compactness is more specific to physical objects or spaces.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between brevity and compactness?
Both brevity and compactness can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, brevity is more commonly associated with formal writing or professional communication, while compactness is often used in technical or design-related discussions.