précis

[prey-see, prey-see]

noun

plural

précis 

1. a concise summary.

   Synonyms: abstract, condensation, digest

verb (used with object)

1. to make a précis of.

precis

/ ˈpreɪsiː /

noun

1. a summary of the essentials of a text; abstract

verb

1. (tr) to make a precis of

Word History and Origins

Origin of précis¹

1750–60; < French, noun use of adj., literally, cut short. See precise

Word History and Origins

Origin of précis¹

C18: from French: _precise

Example Sentences

A précis of Elmer’s early life in Maine is run through by members of the eight-person cast in the bouncy, no-nonsense manner of a graphic novel.

From Los Angeles Times

A recurring line from “First Reformed” feels like a precis for all of these: Will God forgive us?

From New York Times

The precis of a panel titled “Misinformation, Censorship, and Academic Freedom” states as fact that “governments censored information contrary to public health pronouncements in social media settings.”

From Los Angeles Times

He segued into a précis of his political life, starting when he was a 29-year-old senator.

From Slate

But the insistence on its importance — it shows up instrumentally, and in its vocal form, and even in a music box as a ballerina twirls around — struck me as a perfect précis for the film.

From New York Times