English vocabulary · B2
Terse
/tɜːrs/ · adj.
It means very short and direct — sometimes so brief it feels cold or unfriendly.
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Example sentences
- His terse reply ended the conversation.
- She sent a terse email with just two words: not interested.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- tersus — wiped clean (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- BRIEF — short but not rude (Neutral & Polite)
- BLUNT — direct without softening (Direct & Honest)
- CURT — rudely brief (Noticeably Short & Rude)
Similar words
- brief
- blunt
- curt
Lesson notes
Terse. It means very short and direct — sometimes so brief it feels cold or unfriendly.
Similar words are brief, blunt, and curt. Use terse when short words feel cold or dismissive.
His terse reply ended the conversation. She sent a terse email with just two words: not interested.
From Latin. Tersus- means wiped clean. All extra words wiped away, nothing left — that is terse.