Laconically — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective adverb /lə-ˈkä-nik/ la·con·ic

Meaning & Definition of Laconically

Laconically (adjective)

  1. using or involving the use of a minimum of words, concise to the point of seeming rude or mysterious

Laconically (adverb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. in a few words

    "the witness answered the prosecutor's questions rather laconically and had to be coaxed into giving more details"

    similar: briefly, compactly, concisely, crisply, curtly, elliptically, pithily, shortly, succinctly, summarily, tersely, in a nutshell, in a word, in brief, in short, in sum
    related: aphoristically, sententiously, exactly, precisely, abruptly, bluffly, bluntly, brusquely, monosyllabically
    opposite: diffusely, long-windedly, verbosely, wordily
    near: redundantly, repetitiously

Related Entry: Laconic (adjective)

Laconic is a different word from Laconically. The synonyms below are for laconic, not for laconically.

  1. marked by the use of few words to convey much information or meaning

    "the sportscaster's color commentary tends to be laconic but very much to the point"

    similar: aphoristic, apothegmatic, brief, capsule, compact, compendious, concise, crisp, curt, elliptical, epigrammatic, monosyllabic, pithy, sententious, succinct, summary, telegraphic, terse, thumbnail
    related: abrupt, blunt, brusque, short, snippety, snippy, abbreviated, abridged, condensed, curtailed, shortened, meaty, substantial, meaningful, significant, well-turned
    opposite: circuitous, circumlocutory, diffuse, long-winded, prolix, rambling, verbose, windy, wordy
    near: pleonastic, redundant, repetitious, tautological, tautologous, enlarged, expanded, supplemented, embellished, embroidered, exaggerated, inflated

  2. tending not to speak frequently (as by habit or inclination)

    "laconic by nature, he sat back and enjoyed hearing stories from the more loquacious dinner guests"

    similar: closemouthed, dumb, reserved, reticent, silent, taciturn, tight-lipped, uncommunicative
    related: aloof, indrawn, inhibited, introverted, restrained, sedate, self-contained, sober, staid, backward, bashful, coy, demure, diffident, modest, retiring, self-effacing, sheepish
    opposite: blabby, chatty, communicative, conversational, gabby, garrulous, loquacious, motormouthed, mouthy, talkative, talky, unreserved
    near: free-spoken, outspoken, vocal, gossipy, talebearing, diffuse, long-winded, prolix, rambling, verbose, windy, wordy, extroverted, gregarious, outgoing, sociable

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Laconically

The most common words with a similar meaning to Laconically:

briefly, compactly, concisely, crisply, curtly, elliptically, pithily, shortly, succinctly, summarily, tersely, in a nutshell, in a word, in brief, in short, in sum

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Laconically

Words with the opposite meaning of Laconically:

diffusely, long-windedly, verbosely, wordily

Related Words for Laconically

aphoristically, sententiously, exactly, precisely, abruptly, bluffly, bluntly, brusquely, monosyllabically

Near Antonyms of Laconically

redundantly, repetitiously

Word Forms of Laconically

Derived words: laconically (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Laconically

Latin laconicus Spartan, from Greek lakōnikos; from the Spartan reputation for terseness of speech

First known use: 1589

Frequently Asked Questions about Laconically

What does "Laconically" mean?

"Laconically" means using or involving the use of a minimum of words, concise to the point of seeming rude or mysterious. As an an adjective and an adverb, it is defined as: using or involving the use of a minimum of words, concise to the point of seeming rude or mysterious.

What is another word for "Laconically"?

Other words for "Laconically" include briefly, compactly, concisely, crisply, curtly, elliptically, pithily and shortly. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Laconically" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Laconically"?

There are 25 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Laconically". Common alternatives include briefly, compactly, concisely, crisply, curtly, elliptically, pithily, shortly, succinctly and summarily.

What is the opposite of "Laconically"?

Antonyms of "Laconically" include diffusely, long-windedly, verbosely and wordily. Near antonyms include redundantly and repetitiously.

How do you use "Laconically" in a sentence?

Examples of "Laconically" in a sentence: "the witness answered the prosecutor's questions rather laconically and had to be coaxed into giving more details".

Is "Laconically" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Laconically" can be used as an adjective and an adverb, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Laconically"?

"Laconically" is pronounced /lə-ˈkä-nik/ and divided into syllables as la·con·ic.

What is the origin of the word "Laconically"?

"Laconically" comes from Latin laconicus Spartan, from Greek lakōnikos; from the Spartan reputation for terseness of speech. First known use: 1589.