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 -v flag 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

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