briefness or conciseness in speech or writing (n.) Limted space in the newsletter makes brevity essential.
concise
using few words in speaking or writing (adj.) A concise explanation is preferable to a long-winded one.
laconic
using few words in speech (adj.) It was just too hot to give more than a laconic response to the question.
pithy
brief and full of meaning and substance (adj.) Jenny searched for a pithy quotation about courage.
quiescent
quiet; still; inactive (adj.) On long summer weekends, the city loses its bustle and is strangely quiescent.
reticent
not talking much; reserved (adj.) He's shy and reticent, but she never stops talking.
succinct
clearly and briefly stated (adj.) Mr. Phillips asked us to write a succinct summary of our term papers.
taciturn
silent; sparing or words; close-mouthed (adj.) Throughout the party, Larry was moody and taciturn. No one heard a peep from him.
terse
using only the words that are needed to make the point; very concise, sometimes to the point of rudeness (adj.) The principal's terse reply was clear: "No dogs at school."
