Verbose
Meeting ran long, essay hit the word limit three times, and your uncle still has not named his point; this is the word for too many words.
Learn This WordMeaning
Using or expressed in more words than are needed; wordy and lengthy.
Memory trick
Think "VERB-OSE" = "VERBS OVERDOSE", using too many verbs/words. Verbose people use excessive words.
Examples
The report was too verbose and could have been half the length.
His verbose explanations often lost the audience's attention.
Try to be less verbose in your writing, get to the point quickly.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology
From Latin verbosus "full of words," from verbum "word."
Usage Notes
Generally used as criticism of communication that uses unnecessary words. Common in writing and speaking contexts.
Real-life contexts
Critique writing: "This essay is too verbose."
Give feedback: "Try to be less verbose in presentations."
Describe speakers: "He tends to be verbose when nervous."
Common Mistakes
Being verbose is different from being thorough, it's about unnecessary wordiness.
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Part of Speech
adjective
Difficulty
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