succinct

[suhk-singkt]

adjective

1. expressed in few words; concise; terse.

2. characterized by conciseness or verbal brevity.

3. compressed into a small area, scope, or compass.

4. Archaic.

   1. drawn up, as by a girdle.

   2. close-fitting.

   3. encircled, as by a girdle.

succinct

/ səkˈsɪŋkt /

adjective

1. marked by brevity and clarity; concise

2. compressed into a small area

3. archaic

   1. encircled by or as if by a girdle

   2. drawn up tightly; closely fitting

Other Word Forms

• succinctly adverb
• succinctness noun
• unsuccinct adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of succinct¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin succinctus, past participle of succingere “to gird, gather up (one's clothes), prepare for action,” equivalent to suc- “under, beneath” ( suc- ) + cing(ere) “to gird, equip” + -tus past participle suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of succinct¹

C15: from Latin succinctus girt about, from succingere to gird from below, from sub- from below + cingere to gird

Synonym Study

See concise.

Example Sentences

Jamie Noon's explanation of the excitement around Red Bull's imminent takeover of Newcastle is succinct - but accurate.

From BBC

Producers used different portions of her answer on two programs: a convoluted response on CBS’ Sunday morning show “Face the Nation,” and a more succinct part on “60 Minutes.”

From Los Angeles Times

The following night, “60 Minutes” ran the second part of her answer, which was forceful and succinct.

From Los Angeles Times

An organizer from the South- and Southwest-centered labor movement Organized Power in Numbers gave participants succinct phrases to deter ICE and explained that anything they say can be used against them.

From Los Angeles Times

The thing is, there isn’t a succinct answer that entirely covers pie’s allure.

From Salon

Related Words

• blunt 
• concise 
• curt 
• pithy 
• terse