Compendious
hardPositive tonekum-PEN-dee-us
adjective
Definition
Containing a lot of information in a concise form; comprehensive yet brief
Memory hook
COMPEND-IOUS: like a COMPENDIUM that fits much info concisely — comprehensive yet brief.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The compendious guide covered all aspects of the subject in just 100 pages.”
“Her compendious summary captured the essence of the lengthy report.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The ______ guide covered all aspects of the subject in just 100 pages.”
Show answer
compendious
Categories
GRE Tip
Compendious is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "concise" or "succinct" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "verbose".
Related GRE Words
laconic
Using very few words; concise to the point of seeming rude or mysterious
terse
Sparing in the use of words; abrupt
concise
Giving a lot of information clearly and in few words; brief but comprehensive
pithy
Concise and forcefully expressive
succinct
Briefly and clearly expressed
aphoristic
Containing or characterized by aphorisms; concise and memorable
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