Brevity is a term that is often used to describe something that is concise and to the point. It is a quality that is highly valued in communication, especially in writing. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of brevity, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
Brevity is defined as the quality of being brief or concise. It is the use of few words to express an idea or thought. Brevity is often used to describe writing that is short and to the point, without any unnecessary details or filler words.
Origin
The word brevity comes from the Latin word “brevitas,” which means shortness or conciseness. The term has been used in English since the 16th century.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, brevity is “the quality of expressing much in few words.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “conciseness of expression.” The Cambridge Dictionary describes brevity as “the use of few words to say something.”
Associations
Brevity is often associated with clarity and effectiveness in communication. It is a quality that is highly valued in writing, especially in journalism and business communication. Brevity is also associated with efficiency, as it allows for the quick and easy transmission of information.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of brevity include conciseness, succinctness, terseness, pithiness, and laconism.
Antonyms
Some antonyms of brevity include long-windedness, verbosity, prolixity, and wordiness.
The same root words
The same root word as brevity is brevis, which means short in Latin. Some related words include abbreviate, brief, and abridge.
Example Sentences
- The brevity of his speech was impressive.
- The journalist’s article was praised for its brevity and clarity.
- The professor asked the students to summarize their essays with brevity.
- The CEO’s email was short and to the point, demonstrating his brevity in communication.
In conclusion, brevity is a quality that is highly valued in communication, especially in writing. It is the use of few words to express an idea or thought, and it is often associated with clarity and effectiveness. Brevity has been used in English since the 16th century and is derived from the Latin word “brevitas.” Its synonyms include conciseness, succinctness, and terseness, while its antonyms include long-windedness and verbosity.