What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
laconic
Example
His laconic reply left us all wondering what he really meant. [laconic: adjective]
Example
The article was written in a laconic style, with no unnecessary details. [laconic: adjective]
terse
Example
She gave a terse response to his question, indicating her annoyance. [terse: adjective]
Example
The memo was written in a terse tone, leaving no room for interpretation. [terse: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Terse is more commonly used than laconic in everyday language. Terse is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while laconic is less common and often used in more formal or literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between laconic and terse?
Both laconic and terse are considered formal words and are not commonly used in casual conversation. However, laconic may be perceived as more formal due to its association with literature and history.
