Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

brevity is the soul of wit

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 2.81 in modern English

Syllables: brevi-ty is the -soul of wit
IPA

38

Scrabble Score

21

Letters

3

Syllables

14

Unique Chars

Meaning

proverb

Conciseness of expression is an essential characteristic of astute, perceptive, or witty remarks.

Example Sentences

"The same complaint must be made against Mr. Matthew's excellent survey of the theory of evolution, as against Dr. Erasmus Darwin's original exposition of the same theory, namely, that it is too short. It may be very true that brevity is the soul of wit, but the leaders of science will generally succeed in burking new-born wit, unless the brevity of its soul is found compatible with a body of some bulk."
""[I]f people would only settle their affairs in that way, a good part of the occupation of lawyers would be gone. Brevity is the soul of wit; and the fear of simplicity is the beginning of litigation.""
"Brevity is the Soul of Wit. Talking to your infant is good, but uttering individual words might be better."
"Y'see, a guy named William Shakesman once said, "Brevity is the soul of wit." This just means don't waste my time."

Etymology

Coined by William Shakespeare in 1602 in "Hamlet," act 2, scene 2: : Therefore, since brevity is the soul of wit, : And tediousness the limbs and outward flourishes, : I will be brief: your noble son is mad...

Questions

What does brevity is the soul of wit mean?: Conciseness of expression is an essential characteristic of astute, perceptive, or witty remarks.
Where does brevity is the soul of wit come from?: Coined by William Shakespeare in 1602 in "Hamlet," act 2, scene 2: : Therefore, since brevity is the soul of wit, : And tediousness the limbs and outward flourishes, : I will be brief: your noble son is mad...

How to pronounce brevity is the soul of wit

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