Laconic

English

Etymology

From Latin Lacōnicus (“Spartan”), from Ancient Greek Λακωνικός (“Laconian”). Laconia was the region inhabited and ruled by the Spartans, who were known for their brevity in speech.

Pronunciation

• RP: /ləˈkɒnɪk/
• General American: /ləˈkɑnɪk/

Adjective

1. (of speech or writing) Communicative through the use of as few words as possible.
   • Synonyms: terse, succinct, concise, pithy, lapidary
3. (of speakers or writers) Communicating through the use of as few words as possible.
5. (Australia, sometimes proscribed, of a person) Laidback; casual; not intense.
   • 15 June 2022, Donal Wilson, "Mid-season review: Brisbane Lions", Roar:

     "A key player up the other end of the ground is Harris Andrews, who sometimes gets unfairly criticised for his laconic playing style. He desperately cares for this team."

Example sentence

1. • 2026, Wandering Wikis:

     "After listening to a forty-minute explanation of the problem, she offered a laconic solution: 'Turn it off.'"

Derived terms

• laconicism
• laconicly
• unlaconic

Related terms

• laconical
• laconically
• laconism

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