English Explanatory Dictionary

brevity is the soul of wit

English dictionary entry

Meanings

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

Pronunciation

en-us-brevity-is-the-soul-of-wit.ogg

Word forms

brevity is the soul of wit

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...

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