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brevity meaning and examples

2025-09-06

Meaning

Brevity (noun) refers to the quality of expressing something clearly and concisely, using only a few words or a short amount of time. It often highlights the power of being brief without losing clarity.

Grammar and Usage

  • Part of speech: Noun

  • Uncountable noun

  • Common patterns:

    • "brevity of speech"
    • "the brevity of life"
    • "with brevity"

It can refer both to communication (short and clear expression) and to the shortness of time or duration.

Common Phrases

  • the brevity of life – the shortness of human existence.
  • brevity of speech – concise and to the point language.
  • with admirable brevity – describing something expressed very well in a short way.

Collocations

  • brevity of life
  • brevity of speech
  • remarkable brevity
  • admirable brevity
  • with brevity

Examples

  1. The professor admired the brevity of her explanation.
  2. In business communication, brevity is often more effective than long speeches.
  3. The brevity of life reminds us to make the most of our time.
  4. His report was praised for its clarity and brevity.
  5. She told the story with remarkable brevity, yet it was still moving.
  6. Good writers know the value of brevity in their sentences.
  7. He delivered his opinion with admirable brevity.
  8. The brevity of the meeting surprised everyone.
  • conciseness
  • succinctness
  • shortness
  • terseness
  • pithiness