synopsis

American  

[si-nop-sis] / sɪˈnɒp sɪs /

noun

plural

synopses

1. a brief or condensed statement giving a general view of some subject.

2. a compendium of heads or short paragraphs giving a view of the whole.

3. a brief summary of the plot of a novel, motion picture, play, etc.

---

synopsis British  

/ sɪˈnɒpsɪs /

noun

1. a condensation or brief review of a subject; summary

---

Related Words

See summary.

Etymology

Origin of synopsis

First recorded in 1605–15; from Late Latin, from Greek sýnopsis, equivalent to syn- syn- + op- (suppletive stem of horân “to see”; autopsy ) + -sis -sis

Example Sentences

Much like ballet, kabuki necessitates precise choreographed actions: Not only does “Kokuho” provide generous samples of different kabuki pieces but also includes captions that list the title of the individual works and a brief synopsis.

From Los Angeles Times

But this one-line synopsis also succinctly captures the film’s complexities, humor, darkness and honesty.

From Salon

So far, so clear, but even given the program’s three-sentence synopsis, what unfolds around the vain King fails to deliver narrative clarity.

From The Wall Street Journal

Now, the convicted killer argues that his "torturous and inhumane" detention conditions during his trial made him incapable of making rational decisions when he pleaded guilty, according to a court synopsis of the case.

From Barron's

“The Housemaid” is far from the formulaic thriller its trailers and general synopsis suggest.

From Salon

Related Words

• recap
• rundown