# terse

/ˈtɝs/ (US) · /tˈɜːs/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/terse
Updated: 2026-10-17

## Definition

using very few words to say something, often in a way that sounds cold or unfriendly.

For teachers: brief and to the point in speech or writing, often with an implication of abruptness or unfriendliness.

## Examples

- She sends short, terse emails at work.
- The manager gives a terse reply when the team asks for more time.
- His terse statement to the press left reporters guessing about his true feelings on the scandal.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.