The world is over-saturated with too much information and things that people have to take in or deal with. Research studies also show that the concentration span of most people has dropped from 12 seconds to 8 seconds in the past ten years. That’s a good reason to learn the definition of brevity and how to exercise the same.
“Brevity” means simplicity and direct to the point, “the quality or state of being brief in a duration.” Use the word “brevity” when talking about an absence of unnecessary information by a writer or someone making a speech.”
Most people seem to be in a hurry in this era, so “brevity” comes in handy in most situations. Note that “brevity” is also associated with clarity and attaining the ultimate goal of communication. Find out more about “brevity” from meaning, pronunciation, spelling to history below.
What Is the Definition of Brevity?
The definition of the word brevity (noun) is “conciseness of expression.” Use the word when talking about a speech or writing that is brief and to the point.
Note that not everyone can manage to exercise “brevity” in their speech or writing. It is a skill, and only people who have mastered the art can easily achieve it. It also requires someone to summarize whatever they want to put across. For your speech or communication to observe “brevity,” it needs to have a clear message and use few words.
Example sentences:
- All the people who watched the movie were happy to learn that it was professionally edited for clarity and brevity.
- The brevity in the message leaves a large room for the wrong translation.
What Is the Meaning of Brevity?
Brevity (noun) means “shortness of succinctness.” This word describes the restrained and tactful use of words, whether communicating orally or in writing. For instance, if you give a speech on the effects of deforestation in three minutes, you have done it with brevity.
Example sentences:
- Despite the speeches’ brevity, there is complete information on what needs to be done for victims to get justice.
- The lack of brevity by the priest during the wedding made most of the guests leave the venue.
Word Forms of Brevity
Most of the words in English have different forms. Here is the main word form of brevity.
- Brief (verb): The meaning of the word brief is to summarize. Examples below:
Make your sales call brief, not bore the clients.
The brief nature of the memo made me wonder if it was from the management.
Is Brevity a Positive Word?
In some sense, the word “brevity” connotes terseness and even rudeness, especially when people link it with the phrase “to be short with someone.” But in most cases, it has a positive connotation. The nature of the word mainly depends on how you express it.
Synonyms and Antonyms of Brevity
You can learn more about the word brevity through synonyms and antonyms. They include the following:
Synonyms
- Concision
- Shortness
- Brief
- Pithiness
- Terseness
- Curtness
- Impermanence
- Succinctness
- Quietness
Antonyms
- Longevity
- Permanence
- Tautology
- Wordiness
- Tediousness
- Rambling
- Verbiage
- Redundancy
Words that Rhyme with Brevity
If you are searching for words that rhyme with brevity, here are some of them.
- Identity
- Longevity
- Necessity
- Heavily
- Seventy
- Sincerity
- Parity
- Clarity
- Fidelity
- Regularity
How to Use Brevity in a Sentence?
Use the word “brevity” as a noun when talking about something short of time. The word can either be positive or negative, depending on how you use it. Note that it applies in various contexts, and you have to use the word correctly—more on that below.
What is Brevity in Law?
When used in the legal setting, the word brevity refers to summarizing the important points of a longer document. Depending on the matter at hand, the document can come from an attorney, general lawyer, or individual.
What is Brevity in Medicine?
In the medical field, the word brevity means to conduct a short session of instructions that helps prepare the staff or patient about an upcoming operation. This happens when the procedure is delicate, and everyone needs to be on the same page.
What is Brevity in Religion?
In religion, brevity means the shortness of time or duration, especially when referring to human life. It means that people have a short time to live, so time management is essential. On the other hand, it demonstrates that the human span is long enough with proper time management.
Difference between Brevity and Simplicity
The word that most people confuse most with brevity is simplicity. Though these words are nouns, simplicity is the quality or state of being simple or uncompounded such as the simplicity of metals on earth. At the same time, brevity is the quality of being brief.
Difference between Brevity and Clarity
Some people use brevity and clarity interchangeably. It is vital to learn the difference between these words: Clarity is the state or measure of being clear. It can be in appearance or style. At the same time, brevity is the state of being brief.
What Does Excuse My Brevity Mean?
A common phrase, especially in meetings or official gatherings with the word “brevity,” is “excuse my brevity.” This phrase applies in two settings: one is when seeking permission to leave before time, and when one wants to interrupt someone so that they can air a short point.
10 Examples Of Brevity In A Sentence
Reading different sentences is an integral part of learning a language because it helps you read between the lines. Let us now look at different sentences with the word brevity.
- The show’s brevity disappointed the audience since they had spent a lot of money on the show.
- The one thing that students like about the dean is the brevity in his speeches while still reflecting the zeitgeist.
- James told us to exercise brevity in the letters that we will be sent to the newspaper editor.
- The president’s speech was highly praised for its brevity.
- What is shocking is that such force easily gets evoked in such brevity of pose.
- Did you know that there is immense beauty in brevity?
- His drawings usually exercise brevity, yet his art is popularly known.
- His poems are great, even though they are remarkable for brevity.
- You should know about my father because he is a stickler for punctuality and brevity.
- Our boss emphasizes brevity and time management.
How Do You Spell Brevity?
The correct spelling of “brevity” is “B.R.E.V.I.T.Y.”
Some words have slightly different spellings when written in American English or written in British English, but that is not the case with “brevity.”
How Do You Pronounce Brevity?
The pronunciation of “brevity” is “breh.veh.tee or /ˈbɹɛvəti/.”
Learning the pronunciation of this word is easy. It is one of the simple English words to pronounce.
How Many Syllables are in Brevity?
The word “brevity” has three syllables. These syllables are “brev.i.ty.”
History & Etymology of Brevity
“Brevity” is from Latin “breviate,” which means shortness in space or time. The English Language borrowed the word and changed it to “brevity” but retained the original meaning.
When Was Brevity First Used?
The first known use of “brevity” was in the 15th Century to mean shortness of duration.
Conclusion
Now that you have learned the meaning, definition, and sentence use of the word “brevity,” add the word to your vocabulary, and you will have grown your grammar skills. When discussing concision of a transitory of life, brief comments, a precise writing style, shortness in a conversation, or other instances that show consciousness, use the word “brevity.”
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.