In a word Meaning in English
expression
ˈɪn/, /ɪn/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈwɝd
IN-uh-WURD
ˈɪn/ /æɪ/ /wˈɜːd
IN-uh-WURD
Definition
Used to sum up something briefly or to give a quick answer in just one or very few words.
Usage & Nuances
'In a word' is most often used to introduce a quick summary or conclusion, usually before a single adjective or noun. It's slightly formal or neutral. Common in writing, less so in casual speech. Avoid actual one-word answers if the explanation needs more detail.
Spanish: en una palabraPortuguese (BR): em uma palavraPortuguese (PT): numa palavraChinese (Simplified): 一句话Chinese (Traditional): 一句話Hindi: एक शब्द मेंArabic: بكلمة واحدةBengali: এক কথায়Russian: одним словомJapanese: 一言でVietnamese: nói ngắn gọn - nói một từKorean: 한마디로Turkish: kısacası - tek kelimeyleUrdu: ایک لفظ میںIndonesian: singkatnya - dalam satu kata
Example Sentences
In a word, she's amazing.
basic
He described the city, and in a word, it's crowded.
basic
In a word, the answer is no.
basic
Was the movie good? In a word: unforgettable.
natural
Their reaction was, in a word, shocking.
natural
How would I describe the concert? In a word—wild!
natural