Memory connection
Picture “lack ink”
A judge’s pen lacks ink, so the entire verdict is one word: ‘Guilty.’ Nothing unnecessary is added.
The sound cue helps you reach the scene; the action in the scene carries you from the scene to the definition.
Use it accurately
Meaning in context
His laconic reply—‘Maybe’—ended the conversation.
The captain was famous for laconic instructions that left no room for debate.
Laconic describes a person or style that is notably brief. It can suggest admirable economy, emotional reserve, or unhelpful terseness.
Common patterns
- a laconic reply
- laconic style
- characteristically laconic
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Build a more precise understanding
Where the word comes from
Laconic originally meant “of Laconia,” the Greek region whose chief city was Sparta. Spartans were famous for expressing a great deal in very few words, which gave the adjective its modern sense.
Register and usage
This literary-leaning adjective describes speech or writing that is extremely brief. Depending on context, a laconic reply can seem admirably efficient, dryly funny, or unfriendly and abrupt.
Word family
- laconically (adverb)
- laconicism (noun)
References for further checking
These links provide fuller dictionary and word-history entries. MnemoWords writes its own learner explanation rather than reproducing their definitions.
Quick check
Can you retrieve the meaning?
Which response is most laconic?
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