Abstract Quote by Anonymous
“Prefer the familiar word to the far-fetched. Prefer the concrete word to the abstract. Prefer the single word to the circumlocution. Prefer the short word to the long. Prefer the Saxon word to the Romance.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Style Guide, 2021
Advocates using familiar, concrete, short, native words over complex, foreign, long ones for clarity and impact.
In simple terms: Use simple, native words.
Key Takeaway
Choose clear, concise language.
Themes
communication
clarity
linguistics
Mood
educational
practical
Type
writing
language
When to use this quote
- writing
- public speaking
- marketing
- education
Key Concepts
lexical choice
cognitive load
cultural identity
Questions to Reflect On
- When is complex language necessary?
- How do word choices affect audience perception?
A Different Perspective
Over‑simplification may lose nuance.
![“I [prefer] a short life with width to a narrow one with length.” quote by Avicenna](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/44d/avicenna-19211_length_i-prefer-a-short-life-with-width-to-a-na_1611059.jpg)
