What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
briefness
Example
I appreciate the briefness of your presentation. [briefness: noun]
Example
His email was written with clarity and briefness. [briefness: noun]
terse
Example
Her response was terse, but it conveyed her point clearly. [terse: adjective]
Example
The instructions were written in a terse manner, making them easy to follow. [terse: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Briefness is less common than terse in everyday language. Terse is a more versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while briefness is more specific and often used in formal or technical writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between briefness and terse?
While briefness is typically associated with a formal tone, terse is more commonly used in informal contexts. However, both words can be used in different formality levels depending on the context.
