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succinct

C2
adjective

Pronunciation

UK

  • /səksˈɪŋkt/

US

  • /səkˈsɪŋkt/

Description

Imagine you're telling a friend about a movie. You could describe every scene, but they would probably get bored. Instead, you give them the succinct version: just the important details, clearly and briefly. That is what "succinct" means: saying a lot in a few words, without wasting words.

A succinct explanation is helpful when someone asks a complicated question. Lawyers try to make their arguments succinct, and good writers aim for succinct prose. It is about using language well: saying exactly what needs to be said without extra words.

Examples

  1. 1

    Classroom

    The teacher asked us to keep our answers succinct.

  2. 2

    Email

    His email was succinct and easy to follow.

  3. 3

    Meeting summary

    She gave a succinct summary of the meeting before everyone went home.

  4. 4

    Website help

    The website offers a succinct explanation of how the refund process works.

  5. 5

    Job interview

    In a job interview, it's usually better to be succinct than to talk for ten minutes.

Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • succinctadjective