Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Using or containing too many words: Describes speech or writing that is unnecessarily lengthy, often to the point of being tedious or boring.
   • Verbose, wordy: Characterized by an excess of words, making communication less effective or clear.

Usage

• The adjective "long-winded" is used to describe a person, their speech, or their writing. It is a critical term, implying that the communication is inefficient and could be much shorter.
• It typically precedes a noun (e.g., a long-winded explanation) or follows a linking verb (e.g., His speech was long-winded).

Examples

• Describing speech or a speaker:
  • The professor's long-winded lecture made it difficult to identify the main points.
  • He is a kind man, but he can be terribly long-winded when telling a story.
• Describing writing or text:
  • I found the report to be long-winded and repetitive.
  • The novel's long-winded descriptions slowed down the pace of the story.

Advanced Usage

• "To be/get long-winded": To speak or write in a lengthy, verbose manner.
  • She tends to get long-winded when discussing her favorite topic.
• "A long-winded way of saying...": Used to introduce a concise summary after describing something verbosely.
  • In a long-winded way, he was simply trying to apologize.

Variants and Related Words

• Long-windedness (noun): The quality of being long-winded.
  • The long-windedness of the document frustrated the reviewers.
• Windy (adjective): A less common, informal synonym for long-winded, especially regarding speech.
  • The politician gave a windy speech full of empty promises.

Synonyms

• Verbose: Using more words than needed.
• Wordy: Containing many words, often more than necessary.
• Prolix: (Formal) Tediously lengthy.
• Rambling: Lengthy and digressive.

Antonyms

• Concise: Giving a lot of information clearly and in few words.
• Succinct: Briefly and clearly expressed.
• Terse: Sparing in the use of words, sometimes to the point of rudeness.
• Laconic: Using very few words.

Idioms and Phrases

• "To beat around the bush": To avoid talking about what is important, often leading to long-winded, indirect speech. While not identical, it often results in a long-winded conversation.
  • Stop beating around the bush and get to the point!

Adjective

1. using or containing too many words
   • long-winded (or windy) speakers
   • verbose and ineffective instructional methods
   • newspapers of the day printed long wordy editorials
   • proceedings were delayed by wordy disputes