Definition

The shortest and most concise way of expressing something, often using very few words.

Example

Her response was the tersest of all, leaving no room for misunderstanding.

Comparatives & Superlatives

Conversation

Did you read the email from the boss about the project deadline?

Yes, it was surprisingly tersest compared to her usual messages.

I know, right? I actually appreciated how straightforward it was.

Me too! It made everything much clearer.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Tersest is derived from "terse" (from Latin "tersus", meaning polished or neat) and the superlative suffix "-est" (indicating the highest degree). The word "tersest" means the most concise or neatly expressed, reflecting the quality of being succinct.

Memory Tip

Think of 'terse' meaning neat or concise, and remember that 'tersest' refers to the highest degree of being concise.

Visually Confused Words