summarily

American  

[suh-mair-uh-lee, suhm-er-uh-] / səˈmɛər ə li, ˈsʌm ər ə- /

adverb

1. in a prompt or direct manner; immediately; straightaway.

2. without notice; precipitately.

   to be dismissed summarily from one's job.

---

Etymology

Origin of summarily

First recorded in 1520–30; summary + -ly

Explanation

Whenever you do something summarily, you act without hesitating or even taking time to explain yourself. A strict babysitter might announce, "Bedtime!" and summarily flip off the lights and close the bedroom door. The adverb summarily describes things that are done in an abrupt, brief way, without any extra details. It's kind to explain to a job applicant why you're not hiring them, rather than summarily saying, "There's the door, goodbye." A related word is summary, meaning "brief," or "containing just the sum or substance." The Latin root, summa, means "whole or gist."

Example Sentences

Any faculty member in a department other than sports would be summarily fired, maybe indicted.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

In lengthy court documents which have been seen by Newyddion S4C, Ms Griffin-Williams claims she was summarily dismissed by Mr Williams without a chance to discuss or appeal that decision.

From BBC • Sep. 18, 2025

Despite state law granting them the right to inspect such facilities without notice, they were summarily denied entry, told “safety concerns” prevented their visit.

From Salon • Jul. 23, 2025

While the family was put in a Texas detention center, the government placed them under expedited removal, when immigration officers can summarily deport certain noncitizens without a court hearing.

From Slate • Jul. 4, 2025

While still hospitalized, he was summarily fired by his contract trainer.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand

Related Words

• arbitrarily
• forthwith
• promptly
• swiftly