The word "pithiness" is spelled with an "i" before the "e" because it follows the spelling rule for the suffix "-iness", which is pronounced as /ɪnəs/. The "i" is a short vowel sound, pronounced as /ɪ/, while the "e" is a long vowel sound pronounced as /iː/. Therefore, the word is spelled as "p-i-t-h-i-n-e-s-s" and pronounced as /ˈpɪθɪnəs/. "Pithiness" refers to the quality of being concise and forcefully expressive, making it a valuable skill in communication.
Pithiness refers to the quality or characteristic of being terse, concise, and succinct in speech or writing. It is the ability to convey a message or information effectively in a concise and impactful manner, using precise and meaningful words.
When something is described as pithy, it implies that it is both brief and meaningful. The pithy expression or statement captures the essence of an idea or thought with brevity, leaving no room for unnecessary or superfluous language. In this way, pithiness can be seen as a type of economy of words.
A pithy remark or observation often has a strong impact on the listener or reader due to its concise and potent nature. It is marked by its clarity and ability to communicate a significant message in a few well-chosen words. Pithiness has the power to distill complex concepts, themes, or arguments into a succinct form that is easy to comprehend and remember.
Pithiness is valued in various forms of communication, including literature, speeches, advertisements, and everyday conversations. It is often seen as a sign of intelligence, as it requires the skill to eliminate unnecessary words while preserving the core meaning. Pithiness can enhance the clarity and persuasiveness of a message, making it memorable and thought-provoking.
In summary, pithiness is the quality of being concise, impactful, and meaningful in speech or writing, using precise and carefully selected words to convey information effectively.
The quality or state of being endowed with energy or vigour; concentrated force.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "pithiness" is derived from the noun "pith", which originates from Middle English and Old English. In Middle English, it was spelled as "pithe" and derived from the Old English word "piþa". The Old English term itself is believed to have Germanic roots, similar to the Old High German word "pidi". The noun "pith" refers to the spongy tissue in the stems and branches of plants, known for its central role in conducting water and storing nutrients. The suffix "-ness" is added to "pith" to create the abstract noun "pithiness", which denotes the quality or state of being pithy.