adj
pithy
PIH-thee
Pithy (adj) means Expressed briefly but with a lot of meaning or force. Example: “Her pithy reply summed up the whole argument in one sentence.”
adj
1
Expressed briefly but with a lot of meaning or force.
"Her pithy reply summed up the whole argument in one sentence."
"He's known for pithy one-liners rather than long speeches."
How to use pithy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishShort and to the point, but packed with meaning — the opposite of rambling.
Common pairings
a pithy comment
pithy quote
pithy remark
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Word forms
- Comparative
- pithier
- Superlative
- pithiest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Her _____ reply summed up the whole argument in one sentence.
Etymology
From Middle English pithy, from pith ("core, essence") + -y.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for pithy
See all rhymes for pithy →Frequently asked questions
What does “pithy” mean?
The word “pithy” means expressed briefly but with a lot of meaning or force. In plain terms, short and to the point, but packed with meaning — the opposite of rambling.
How do you pronounce “pithy”?
“Pithy” is pronounced PIH-thee (/ˈpɪθi/ in IPA).
How do you use “pithy” in a sentence?
Here is “pithy” used in a sentence: “Her pithy reply summed up the whole argument in one sentence.”
What part of speech is “pithy”?
“Pithy” is an adjective.
Where does the word “pithy” come from?
The word “pithy” comes from Middle English. From Middle English pithy, from pith ("core, essence") + -y.
