Summary
/ˈsʌməri/
Definitions
2 meaningsA condensed statement of a longer text or event.
/ˈsʌməri/
A brief statement or account of the main points of something.
Could you give me a summary of the meeting's key decisions?
💡 Simply: Imagine you're telling a friend about a long movie. A summary is like the short version, hitting the highlights without all the details. It's the 'need-to-know' version.
👶 For kids: A summary is like a shortcut to a long story. It tells you the important parts in just a few sentences.
More Examples
The book's summary provided a clear overview of the plot.
I need a summary of the report to understand its core findings.
How It's Used
"The professor asked the students to provide a summary of the research paper."
"The CEO reviewed a summary of the quarterly financial results."
To make a brief statement of the main points of (something).
/ˈsʌməraɪz/
To make a summary of something.
The news reporter will summarize the events of the day on the evening broadcast.
💡 Simply: When you summarize, you're taking a big piece of information, like a long article, and shrinking it down to the most important ideas. It's like picking the best parts!
👶 For kids: To summarize means to tell the short version of a story or something you read.
More Examples
The author summarized her key points at the end of the essay.
Can you summarize the instructions before we begin?
How It's Used
"The presenter summarized the key points of their argument."
"The students were asked to summarize the chapter in their own words."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
in summary
Used to introduce a brief statement that gives the main points of something.
"In summary, the company's profits increased this quarter."
a summary judgment
A judgment given in a court case when there is no dispute of facts.
"The judge granted a summary judgment in favor of the defendant."
From Middle English *summarie*, from Old French somaire ('summary, abridgment'), from Medieval Latin summarium ('summary, epitome'), from Latin summa ('sum, chief point').
The word 'summary' has been used since the 14th century, initially referring to a concise account or abstract.
Memory tip
Think of it as a "sum" of the most important information.
Word Origin
"summa (highest point, the whole)"