adjective
laconic
luh-KON-ik
Laconic (adjective) means using very few words, in a way that seems deliberate and often dry. Example: “His laconic reply was simply 'Unlikely.'”
adjective
1
Using very few words, in a way that seems deliberate and often dry.
"His laconic reply was simply 'Unlikely.'"
"She has a laconic wit that takes people a moment to catch."
How to use laconic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSaying a lot in very few words.
When to use it
Formal or literary; common in describing characters and public figures.
Memory tip
Laconic describes manner, not just length. A one-line email is short; it is laconic only if the brevity feels like character.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
laconic reply
laconic style
laconic wit
laconic humour
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Fill the gap
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His _____ reply was simply 'Unlikely.'
Etymology
From Greek Lakōnikos, 'of Laconia', the region of Sparta, whose people were famous for their extremely terse speech.
Related words
Rhymes for laconic
See all rhymes for laconic →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between laconic and taciturn?
Taciturn describes a person who does not talk much at all. Laconic describes the style of what someone does say — short, dry and often pointed. A laconic person may speak readily but always in few words.
Where does laconic come from?
It comes from Laconia, the Spartan homeland. Ancient Greek writers recorded the Spartans' habit of answering at maximum brevity, and the region's name became the word for that style.
Is being laconic a compliment?
Usually mildly so. It suggests economy and self-possession rather than rudeness, though in the wrong context it can shade into 'curt'.
What is the meaning of laconic?
"laconic" (adjective) means using very few words, in a way that seems deliberate and often dry.
