korthed

Korthed is a Danish noun describing the quality of being short in length or concise in expression. In common usage, it most often refers to brevity in speech or writing—conveying information with a minimum of words and without unnecessary elaboration. It can also denote physical shortness, but the rhetorical sense is the primary one in contemporary discourse.

Etymology and cognates: Korthed is formed from the adjective kort (short) with the abstract-noun suffix -hed, which marks a state or quality. The term has cognates in other Scandinavian languages, such as Swedish korthet and Norwegian korthet, with similar meanings related to brevity or conciseness. Its appearance in Danish literature and rhetoric spans from early modern periods to present-day stylistic discussions.

Usage and nuance: In Danish, korthed is used when assessing style, journalism, and academic writing, where conciseness can enhance clarity and impact. It signals an economy of language and a focus on essential points. However, there can be a trade-off: too much brevity may obscure nuance, context, or necessary detail. Critics may praise korthed as a virtue of effective communication or caution against it if it sacrifices precision.

Examples and related terms: An example sentence is: “Taleren blev rost for sin korthed og præcision.” Related concepts include kortfattethed (conciseness) and the broader discourse on brevity in rhetoric and writing. In discussions of style, korthed is often weighed against thoroughness to evaluate how well a message achieves its purpose.