brevity
7 synonyms and 3 antonyms for brevity, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The quality of using few words; concise and economical expression.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
The quality of using few words; concise and economical expression.
“Her emails are admired for their brevity.”
Opposites
How to Use Brevity
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Formal to neutral; common in writing about style, editing and public speaking.
Etymology
From Latin brevitas, from brevis meaning short.
Full origin of brevity →Frequently Asked Questions
What does brevity is the soul of wit mean?
The line is spoken by Polonius in Shakespeare's Hamlet, and means that intelligence and humour are sharpest when expressed briefly. It is quoted, usually as gentle criticism, to tell someone they are going on too long.
What is the difference between brevity and concision?
Brevity is simply shortness, whether or not anything is lost. Concision means saying everything necessary in as few words as possible, so it implies that nothing important was cut. A concise piece is always brief; a brief piece is not always concise.