How Do You Spell TERSENESS?

Pronunciation: [tˈɜːsnəs] (IPA)

Terseness (/ˈtɜrs.nəs/) is a noun that refers to the quality of being brief and concise, usually in speech or writing. Its spelling may be confusing due to the presence of several silent letters. The "e" after "r" is not pronounced, and the "n" following "r" is also silent. The primary stress falls on the second syllable, which is pronounced as "urs." Despite its tricky spelling, terseness is a useful word for writers and speakers who strive for clarity and succinctness.

TERSENESS Meaning and Definition

  1. Terseness is a noun that refers to the quality or state of being brief, concise, and succinct in speech or writing. It is derived from the adjective "terse," which means using few words to convey an idea or message, without unnecessary elaboration or adornment.

    A person or piece of writing that demonstrates terseness does not engage in superfluity of words, but rather conveys information in a precise and economical manner. This quality of terseness often implies an ability to express ideas or thoughts effectively and efficiently, often leaving no room for ambiguity or confusion.

    Terseness is highly valued in various domains such as journalism, legal and scientific writing, where the primary objective is to convey information clearly and concisely. It allows for the efficient transmission of ideas, facilitating a succinct and direct communication style.

    However, terseness must be balanced with clarity to ensure that the intended meaning is adequately conveyed. Excessive terseness can lead to an overly fragmented or cryptic communication, making it difficult for the recipient to understand the message fully.

    In summary, terseness is the quality of being brief and concise, using the fewest possible words while effectively conveying the intended meaning. It is a skill that allows for efficient and effective communication in various fields, emphasizing the importance of clarity in delivering ideas concisely.

  2. The state or quality of being terse; conciseness.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for TERSENESS

Etymology of TERSENESS

The word "terseness" is derived from the adjective "terse", which originated in the early 17th century. It comes from the Latin word "tersus", which means "wiped off" or "cleaned". Over time, it evolved to connote "neat" or "polished". The suffix "-ness" is added to "terse" to form the noun "terseness", referring to the quality or state of being concise, brief, or to the point.

Plural form of TERSENESS is TERSENESSES

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