pithy
UK: ˈpɪθi | US: ˈpɪθi
adj. concise and forcefully expressive
adj. full of substance or meaning
The word "pithy" derives from "pith," which originally referred to the soft, spongy tissue in plant stems (Old English pitha). Over time, "pith" metaphorically evolved to mean the "essential core" of an idea or argument. The suffix "-y" (from Old English -ig) transforms it into an adjective, giving "pithy" its modern sense of being succinct yet rich in meaning—much like the concentrated essence of the original "pith."
The speaker delivered a pithy remark that captured the audience's attention.
Her pithy advice was both memorable and practical.
The article was praised for its pithy analysis of the issue.
He has a talent for writing pithy summaries of complex topics.
The book's pithy proverbs are often quoted in speeches.