Brief
/briːf/
Definitions
3 meaningslasting for a short time; concise.
/briːf/
Short in duration or extent.
The teacher gave us a brief overview of the topic.
💡 Simply: Short and quick.
More Examples
His explanation was brief but clear.
How It's Used
"The meeting was brief."
"The lawyer presented a brief summary of the case."
a concise written summary or statement.
/briːf/
A concise summary or statement.
The president's brief outlined the key policy changes.
💡 Simply: A short summary or report.
More Examples
The lawyer prepared a detailed brief for the trial.
How It's Used
"The lawyer submitted a brief to the court."
"She gave a brief of the project's progress."
to give someone concise instructions or information.
/briːf/
To instruct or inform concisely.
The pilot briefed the crew before takeoff.
💡 Simply: To give quick information.
More Examples
He briefed the committee on the latest developments.
How It's Used
"The general briefed the troops before the mission."
"She briefed the team on the new strategy."
Idioms & expressions
in brief
in short; concisely.
"In brief, the project was a success."
From Old French *brief, from Latin *brevis "short".
Historically, 'brief' has consistently referred to shortness, but its use as a noun for a concise document developed later.
Memory tip
Think of 'brief' as short like a pair of briefs (underwear).