Brief vs. Concise: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 7, 2023
"Brief" refers to something short in duration or length, while "Concise" describes something expressed clearly and succinctly without excess words.
Key Differences
"Brief" and "Concise" both refer to the manner in which information is presented, but with distinct nuances. Brief primarily relates to the duration or length of something, indicating that it is short or limited. On the other hand, Concise emphasizes clarity and succinctness in expression, eliminating unnecessary details or words.
A Brief explanation might be short but not necessarily clear or to the point, perhaps due to its limited length. In contrast, a Concise explanation ensures that, even in its brevity, it remains comprehensive, directly addressing the main points without excessive elaboration.
Think of a meeting that is Brief: it doesn't last long. But during that short meeting, a speaker might provide a Concise summary of a project, capturing the essential details without wandering into tangential points.
It's entirely possible for something to be both Brief and Concise: a statement that is short in length and efficiently expressed. Conversely, it's also possible for a statement to be Brief but not Concise, if it's short but unclear, or Concise but not Brief if it's clear and to the point but relatively lengthy.
In essence, while "Brief" and "Concise" can sometimes overlap, Brief is more about the span or extent, and Concise is more about the efficiency and clarity of expression.
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Comparison Chart
Main Focus
Duration or length
Clarity and succinctness
Relation to Content
May or may not be clear
Always clear and to the point
Usage in Speech
Short statement or conversation
Clear, efficient expression
Can be...
Brief but unclear
Concise but lengthy
Example
A short meeting
A summary without unnecessary details
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Brief and Concise Definitions
Brief
Short in time, duration, length, or extent.
Concise
Clear and succinct
The report was Concise, covering all key points.
Brief
Succinct; concise
A brief account of the incident.
Concise
Efficient in expression
The teacher gave a Concise explanation of the concept.
Brief
Curt; abrupt
We were upset because he was so brief with us.
Concise
Free from all elaboration and superfluous detail
His Concise writing style was appreciated by readers.
Brief
A short, succinct statement.
Concise
Expressed in few words without unnecessary details
Her instructions were Concise and easy to follow.
Brief
A condensation or an abstract of a larger document or series of documents.
Concise
Brief but comprehensive
The Concise guide covered all essential topics.
Brief
(Law) A document concisely stating the legal points being made, including often the citation and explanation of supporting legal authority.
Concise
Expressing much in few words; clear and succinct.
Brief
Roman Catholic Church A papal letter that is not as formal as a bull.
Concise
Brief, yet including all important information
Brief
A briefing.
Concise
(obsolete) Physically short or truncated
Brief
Often briefs Short, tight-fitting underpants.
Concise
To make concise; to abridge or summarize.
Brief
Briefs Chiefly British The instructions that are given to explain a task or assignment.
Concise
Expressing much in a few words; condensed; brief and compacted; - used of style in writing or speaking.
The concise style, which expresseth not enough, but leaves somewhat to be understood.
Where the author is . . . too brief and concise, amplify a little.
Brief
To give instructions or preparatory information to
Briefed the astronauts before the mission.
Concise
Expressing much in few words;
A concise explanation
Brief
To summarize.
Brief
Of short duration; happening quickly.
Her reign was brief but spectacular.
Brief
Concise; taking few words.
His speech of acceptance was brief but moving.
Brief
Occupying a small distance, area or spatial extent; short.
Her skirt was extremely brief but doubtless cool.
Brief
(obsolete) Rife; common; prevalent.
Brief
(legal) A writ summoning one to answer; an official letter or mandate.
Brief
(legal) An answer to any action.
Brief
(legal) A memorandum of points of fact or of law for use in conducting a case.
Brief
A position of interest or advocacy.
Brief
(legal) An attorney's legal argument in written form for submission to a court.
Brief
(English law) The material relevant to a case, delivered by a solicitor to the barrister who tries the case.
Brief
A short news story or report.
We got a news brief.
Brief
Underwear briefs.
I wear boxers under trousers but for sports I usually wear a brief.
Brief
(obsolete) A summary, précis or epitome; an abridgement or abstract.
Brief
A letter patent, from proper authority, authorizing a collection or charitable contribution of money in churches, for any public or private purpose.
Brief
(slang) A ticket of any type.
Brief
(transitive) To summarize a recent development to some person with decision-making power.
The U.S. president was briefed on the military coup and its implications on African stability.
Brief
To write a legal argument and submit it to a court.
Brief
Briefly.
Brief
Soon; quickly.
Brief
Short in duration.
How brief the life of man.
Brief
Concise; terse; succinct.
The brief style is that which expresseth much in little.
Brief
Rife; common; prevalent.
Brief
Briefly.
Adam, faltering long, thus answered brief.
Brief
Soon; quickly.
Brief
A short concise writing or letter; a statement in few words.
Bear this sealed brief,With winged hastle, to the lord marshal.
And she told meIn a sweet, verbal brief.
Brief
An epitome.
Each woman is a brief of womankind.
Brief
An abridgment or concise statement of a client's case, made out for the instruction of counsel in a trial at law. This word is applied also to a statement of the heads or points of a law argument.
It was not without some reference to it that I perused many a brief.
Brief
A writ issuing from the chancery, directed to any judge ordinary, commanding and authorizing that judge to call a jury to inquire into the case, and upon their verdict to pronounce sentence.
Brief
A letter patent, from proper authority, authorizing a collection or charitable contribution of money in churches, for any public or private purpose.
Brief
A type of men's underpants without legs, fitting tightly and held by an elastic waistband; also called Jockey shorts.
Brief
To make an abstract or abridgment of; to shorten; as, to brief pleadings.
Brief
A document stating the facts and points of law of a client's case
Brief
A condensed written summary or abstract
Brief
Give essential information to someone;
The reporters were briefed about the President's plan to invade
Brief
Of short duration or distance;
A brief stay in the country
In a little while
It's a little way away
Brief
Concise and succinct;
Covered the matter in a brief statement
Brief
(of clothing) very short;
An abbreviated swimsuit
A brief bikini
Brief
Short in duration or length
The event was a Brief affair, lasting only an hour.
Brief
Providing essential information quickly
He gave a Brief overview of the plan.
Brief
Not extensive or lengthy
Her stay in the city was Brief.
Brief
A short written or spoken statement
The CEO's Brief clarified the company's goals.
Brief
A set of instructions given to a person
The lawyer prepared his Brief for the upcoming case.
FAQs
Can a Brief comment be elaborate?
A Brief comment is short, but might not be Concise or to the point.
Can a Concise explanation be long?
Yes, Concise refers to clarity and succinctness, not necessarily length, unlike Brief.
Is a summary always Concise?
A good summary should be Concise, but it can sometimes be Brief without being clear.
Is Brief always clear in expression?
No, something Brief can be unclear, while Concise always implies clarity.
Why might someone prefer a Concise explanation?
A Concise explanation offers clarity without excess information, unlike a Brief one which might miss details.
Is being Concise always beneficial?
Being Concise is usually valued for clarity, but in some contexts, more detail (unlike Brief summaries) might be needed.
Can a speech be Brief but comprehensive?
Yes, a speech can be Brief in duration but cover all essential points if it's also Concise.
How does a Brief differ from a summary?
A Brief is a short statement or duration, while a summary, ideally Concise, captures the essence of a larger content.
Can something be both Brief and Concise?
Yes, a statement can be short (Brief) and clearly expressed without unnecessary details (Concise).
How can I make my speech more Concise?
Focus on key points, eliminate fluff, and be direct, which may also make it more Brief.
What's the opposite of Brief?
Prolonged or lengthy, while the opposite of Concise might be wordy or verbose.
Why might an instruction manual be Concise?
To clearly guide users without overwhelming them, unlike Brief manuals which might lack details.
Can novels be Concise?
Novels can have Concise language or scenes, but they're not typically Brief in length.
Does a Concise answer always capture all details?
A Concise answer captures essential details without excess, while a Brief answer might skip some.
How do Brief and Concise relate to efficiency?
Brief relates to time efficiency, while Concise relates to clarity and effective communication.
Do Brief and Concise both imply clarity?
Only Concise directly implies clarity, while Brief focuses on shortness.
Why might someone give a Brief overview?
To quickly convey information, though ensuring it's also Concise will add clarity.
Can a book be Brief?
Yes, a book can be Brief in length, and if its content is directly expressed, it can also be Concise.
Can a Brief interaction be meaningful?
Yes, especially if the communication is also Concise and clear.
Can a Brief overview be unclear?
Yes, being Brief doesn't guarantee clarity, while being Concise does.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
