laconic

views updated Jun 08 2018

la·con·ic / ləˈkänik/ • adj. (of a person, speech, or style of writing) using very few words: his laconic reply suggested a lack of interest in the topic.DERIVATIVES: la·con·i·cal·ly / -(ə)lē/ adv. la·con·i·cism / ləˈkänəˌsizəm/ n. lac·o·nism / ˈlakəˌnizəm/ n.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

laconic

views updated May 18 2018

laconic (of a person, speech, or style of writing) using very few words. The term comes (in the mid 16th century, in the sense ‘Laconian, Spartan) via Latin from Greek from Lakōn ‘Sparta’, the Spartans being known for their terse speech.

The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable ELIZABETH KNOWLES

laconic

views updated May 18 2018

laconic (L-) Lacedaemonian, Spartan; brief of speech. XVI. — L. Lacōnicus—Gr. Lakōnikós, f. Lákōn member of the Spartan race, renowned for brevity of speech; see -IC.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

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