gist

[jist]

noun

1. the main or essential part of a matter.

   What was the gist of his speech?

   Synonyms: import, kernel, burden, substance, point, essence

2. the ground of a legal action.

gist

/ dʒɪst /

noun

1. the point or substance of an argument, speech, etc

2. law the essential point of an action

Word History and Origins

Origin of gist¹

First recorded in 1720–30; from Anglo-French (cest action) gist “(this matter) lies,” 3rd-person singular present of Anglo-French, Old French gesir “to lie” (compare modern French ci-gît “here lies”), ultimately from Latin jacēre; adjacent ( def. ), hic jacet ( def. )

Word History and Origins

Origin of gist¹

C18: from Anglo-French, as in cest action gist en this action consists in, literally: lies in, from Old French gésir to lie, from Latin jacēre, from jacere to throw

Example Sentences

I exclaim after I sign the gist of the announcement to Autumn.

Read more on Literature

Beowulf’s picture was far more elaborate than those of his siblings, and it did need a bit more work coloring in the background, but the gist of it was on full, frightening view.

Read more on Literature

In a novel of many threads, this is the gist: The saved are those who aren’t ashamed of who they are or where they came from.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

That point is also the gist of the bipartisan letter, signed by 33 Republicans and five Democrats.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

There's still time to catch up was his gist.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• summary 
• tenor 
• upshot