- 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) The range of one’s knowledge, understanding, or awareness.
Quantum physics lies far beyond my ken, no matter how many articles I read.
Ken comes from Old English cennan, meaning “to know” or “to make known,” and is closely related to Middle English and Scots usage where it meant knowledge, perception, or recognition. Over time, the word narrowed to describe the limits of what someone knows or understands, which is why it’s often used today in phrases like “beyond my ken.”