verbose
/və:'bous/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective: 1. Using or containing more words than are needed; excessively wordy. This describes language, speech, or writing that is unnecessarily long, often repetitive, and lacking in conciseness.
Usage
The adjective "verbose" is used to describe a style of communication. It is a formal and often critical term. It is typically applied to: * A person's speech or manner of speaking (e.g., a verbose speaker). * A piece of writing or text (e.g., a verbose report, verbose instructions). * The language or style itself (e.g., verbose prose).
Examples
- The professor's verbose explanation confused the students more than it helped.
- The software's error messages were so verbose and technical that they were useless to most users.
- He avoided the lawyer's verbose legal documents and asked for a simple summary.
- Her writing style is often criticized for being unnecessarily verbose.
Advanced Usage
- In Computing: In technical contexts like programming or logging, "verbose" can have a neutral meaning. A "verbose mode" or "verbose output" provides detailed, extensive information, which can be useful for debugging, even if it is long.
- Example: Run the command with the
-vflag for verbose logging to see every step of the process.
Variants and Related Words
- Verbosity (noun): The quality or state of being verbose.
- Example: The main issue with the document is its verbosity; it could be half as long.
- Verbosely (adverb): In a verbose manner.
- Example: He explained the concept very verbosely.
Synonyms
- Wordy: Using too many words.
- Long-winded: Tediously lengthy in speech or writing.
- Prolix: (Formal) Using or containing too many words; tediously lengthy.
- Garrulous: Excessively talkative, especially on trivial matters (more about speech than writing).
- Circumlocutory: Using many words where fewer would do, especially in an attempt to be vague or evasive.
Antonyms
- Concise: Giving a lot of information clearly and in a few words.
- Succinct: Briefly and clearly expressed.
- Laconic: Using very few words.
- Terse: Sparing in the use of words; abrupt.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- To beat around the bush: To avoid talking about what is important. This can result in verbose speech.
- Example: Stop beating around the bush and give me a concise answer.
- In a nutshell: Concisely, in the fewest possible words (the opposite of verbosely).
- Example: In a nutshell, the project was a success.
Adjective
- 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