What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pithiness
Example
The pithiness of his speech left a lasting impression on the audience. [pithiness: noun]
Example
The article was praised for its pithy and informative content. [pithy: adjective]
terse
Example
His terse response indicated his disapproval of the proposal. [terse: adjective]
Example
The report was written in a terse and factual manner. [terse: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Terse is more commonly used than pithiness in everyday language. Terse is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while pithiness is less common and is often used in specific contexts related to writing or speech.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pithiness and terse?
Both pithiness and terse are relatively formal words that are more likely to be used in professional or academic contexts than in casual conversation.