Laconic
hardNeutral toneluh-KON-ik
adjective
Definition
Using very few words; concise to the point of seeming rude or mysterious
Memory hook
LACON-IC: Like a SPARTAN from Laconia -- famously few words. 'If.' was their reply to threats.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“His laconic response left everyone wondering what he really thought.”
“The general's laconic orders were clear and direct.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“His ______ response left everyone wondering what he really thought.”
Show answer
laconic
Categories
GRE Tip
Laconic is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "terse" or "succinct" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "verbose".
Related GRE Words
aphoristic
Containing or characterized by aphorisms; concise and memorable
compendious
Containing a lot of information in a concise form; comprehensive yet brief
concise
Giving a lot of information clearly and in few words; brief but comprehensive
pithy
Concise and forcefully expressive
succinct
Briefly and clearly expressed
terse
Sparing in the use of words; abrupt
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