summary

[suhm-uh-ree]

noun

plural

summaries 

1. a comprehensive and usually brief abstract, recapitulation, or compendium of previously stated facts or statements.

   Synonyms: précis, outline

adjective

1. brief and comprehensive; concise.

   Synonyms: succinct, compact, condensed, short

2. direct and prompt; unceremoniously fast.

   to treat someone with summary dispatch.

   Synonyms: brusque, terse, curt

3. (of legal proceedings, jurisdiction, etc.) conducted without, or exempt from, the various steps and delays of a formal trial.

summary

/ ˈsʌmərɪ /

noun

1. a brief account giving the main points of something

adjective

1. performed arbitrarily and quickly, without formality

   a summary execution

2. (of legal proceedings) short and free from the complexities and delays of a full trial

3. the right a court has to adjudicate immediately upon some matter arising during its proceedings

4. giving the gist or essence

Other Word Forms

• summariness noun
• summarily adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of summary¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin summārium, equivalent to summ(a) “sum” + -ārium noun suffix; sum, -ary

Word History and Origins

Origin of summary¹

C15: from Latin summārium, from summa _sum ¹

Synonym Study

Summary, brief, digest, synopsis are terms for a short version of a longer work. A summary is a brief statement or restatement of main points, especially as a conclusion to a work: a summary of a chapter. A brief is a detailed outline, by heads and subheads, of a discourse (usually legal) to be completed: a brief for an argument. A digest is an abridgment of an article, book, etc., or an organized arrangement of material under heads and titles: a digest of a popular novel; a digest of Roman law. A synopsis is usually a compressed statement of the plot of a novel, play, etc.: a synopsis of Hamlet.

Example Sentences

Here is a summary of the other six listed Invesco factor funds, leaving them in the same order as on the tables:

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In an autobiographical summary of his career, Meyer said his favorite toy design was Lite-Brite, which allows people to create colorful designs by plugging plastic pegs into a grid.

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The Fed’s Beige Book, or summary of current economic conditions, is also due Wednesday.

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In summary, the market has been volatile within a wide trading range.

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This is indeed a cautionary tale: Always request and keep a formal summary plan description and certificate of coverage of all retirement plans and life-insurance policies, together with the last benefits confirmation statement.

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Related Words

• analysis 
• essence 
• outline 
• prospectus 
• recap 
• rehash 
• review 
• rundown 
• sketch 
• survey 
• synopsis 
• version