- Today's Word
Laconic
luh-KON-ik
Definition
- (adjective) Using very few words; concise or terse in speech or writing.
Example
The hero’s laconic reply, though brief, carried more weight than a thousand speeches could have.
Fun Fact
“Laconic” originates from Laconia, the region of ancient Greece that included Sparta, where brevity in speech was a cultural hallmark. The Spartans were known for their sharp, succinct replies, including the legendary response to a threat from Philip II of Macedon: “If.” Today, “laconic” reflects the timeless power of saying much with very little.
(noun) A ruler who holds absolute power, often using it in a harsh or oppressive way.
The novel’s villain is a despot who crushes any hint of dissent to maintain his grip on power.
Despot comes from the Greek despotēs, meaning “master” or “one with authority.”