What does "terse" most nearly mean?

The word "terse" most closely means succinct, which refers to the quality of being brief and to the point. When a statement is described as terse, it implies that it conveys information clearly and concisely, without any unnecessary words or elaboration. This characteristic is often appreciated in communication, as it allows the listener or reader to grasp the essential message quickly and efficiently.

In this context, the other options do not align with the meaning of "terse." For example, "capable" suggests competence or ability, "gruesome" relates to something that is shockingly repellent or horrifying, and "confused" indicates a lack of clarity or understanding. These meanings differ significantly from the concise nature of the term "terse."