gist

American  

[jist] / dʒɪst /

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 British  

/ dʒɪst /

noun

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

2. law the essential point of an action

---

Etymology

Origin of gist

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. )

Example Sentences

“Now that you’ve gotten the gist of things, you can go ahead and choose your partners.”

From Literature

This pretty much captures the gist of the show’s debut season.

From Salon

“When I was a young guy,” Perryman said, “my head was all over the place — just trying to get the gist of the NFL. They taught me how to be where my mind is.”

From Los Angeles Times

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

From 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.

From Literature

Related Words

• summary
• tenor
• upshot