short
Lacking in length
The meanings of short in all parts of speech derive from its core adjectival meaning, where it is the opposite of long and tall.
For spatial uses, short indicates small distance from end to end: short hair.
For temporal uses, short indicates little elapsed time from beginning to end: a short break.
Short is also frequent as an adverb, where it often has a negative connotation of undesirable: They had to cut their vacation short. His performance came up short.
If you short someone, you give them less than they expect or less than they are due, often in a dishonest way.
Small and delicate
- diminutiveVery small, or nickname form
- smallLimited in size
- tinyExtremely small in size
- littleSmall in degree
undersized · compact · low · pint-sized · fun-size · pocket-sized · squat · stubby
Expressed with minimal words
- pithyConcise and forceful
- terseBrief to bluntness
- laconicBrief in expression
- compactTightly packed together
incisive · trenchant · crisp · snappy · telegraphic · aphoristic · elliptical · clipped
Condensed account of essentials
- synopsisCondensed version of content
- overviewBroad general summary
- outlineSummary of key elements
- abstractCondensed version of text
digest · snapshot · glimpse · capsule · thumbnail · sketch · precis · roundup
Abrupt and dismissive
- abruptSharp and unexpected
- bluntDull or tactlessly direct
- gruffHarsh in manner
- snappishShort-tempered, biting
rude · impolite · discourteous · sharp · offhand · ungracious · tactless · unceremonious
petite
Small and delicate
- diminutiveVery small, or nickname form
- smallLimited in size
- tinyExtremely small in size
little · undersized · compact · low · pint-sized · fun-size · pocket-sized · squat · stubby · stumpy
succinct
Expressed with minimal words
compact · incisive · trenchant · crisp · snappy · telegraphic · aphoristic · elliptical · clipped · economical
summary
Condensed account of essentials
abstract · digest · snapshot · glimpse · capsule · thumbnail · sketch · precis · roundup · wrap-up
brusque
Abrupt and dismissive
snappish · rude · impolite · discourteous · sharp · offhand · ungracious · tactless · unceremonious · dismissive
insufficient
Below required quantity
scant · sparse · limited · wanting · shy · inadequate · deficit · undersupplied · tight · lean
sell
Transfer for payment
bet · bearish · hedge · futures · margin · squeeze · covering · naked · contract
- cut shortEnd before completion
- fall shortFail to reach standard
- short and sweetPleasantly concise
- short ofLacking sufficient quantity of
- short storyBrief prose fiction
- short hairTrimmed-close head covering
shorten, shorts, shortly, shortage, shortcut, shorter, shortness, shortened, shortcoming