terse

/tɜːs/ (bre, ipa) · [tˈɚs] /tɜːrs/ (ame, ipa) · [tˈɚs] /ˈtərs How to pronounce terse (audio)/ (ame, mw)

terse — adjective

  • tersepositive
  • tersercomparative
  • tersestsuperlative

1. speaking or writing in very few words, often giving the impression of being abru

1.形容詞C1
釋義

speaking or writing in very few words, often giving the impression of being abrupt or unfriendly

例句

Obi's terse reply made it clear he did not want to talk.

collocation: terse reply

The librarian answered every question with a terse 'yes' or 'no.'

terse + one-word answer

同義詞
  • curt

    more explicitly rude; suggests the speaker is annoyed

  • brusque

    emphasises an abrupt, impatient manner more than word count

  • laconic

    often describes a personality trait of using few words, not necessarily rude

  • concise

    the positive counterpart — brief but complete and well-organised

反義詞

用法筆記

Often carries a negative tone of rudeness or impatience. Distinguish from 'concise,' which is positive and means giving necessary information without unnecessary words.

常見錯誤

❌Her report was terse and well-written.
✅Her report was concise and well-written.
💡'terse' suggests abruptness or unfriendliness; use 'concise' when you mean brief in a good way.