First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1summary
adjective sum·ma·ry \ˈsə-mə-rē also ˈsəm-rē or -ˌmer-ē\
: using few words to give the most important information about something
: done quickly in a way that does not follow the normal process
Full Definition of SUMMARY
1
: comprehensive; especially : covering the main points succinctly
2
a : done without delay or formality : quickly executed <a summary dismissal> b : of, relating to, or using a summary proceeding <a summary trial>
— sum·mar·i·ly \(ˌ)sə-ˈmer-ə-lē\ adverb
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Origin of SUMMARY
Middle English, from Medieval Latin summarius, from Latin summa sum
Related to SUMMARY
- Synonyms
- aphoristic, apothegmatic, brief, capsule, compact, compendious, crisp, curt, elliptical (or elliptic), epigrammatic, laconic, monosyllabic, pithy, sententious, succinct, concise, telegraphic, terse, thumbnail
- Antonyms
- circuitous, circumlocutory, diffuse, long-winded, prolix, rambling, verbose, windy, wordy
Synonym Discussion of SUMMARY
concise, terse, succinct, laconic, summary, pithy, compendious mean very brief in statement or expression. concise suggests the removal of all that is superfluous or elaborative <a concise description>. terse implies pointed conciseness <a terse reply>. succinct implies the greatest possible compression <a succinct letter of resignation>. laconic implies brevity to the point of seeming rude, indifferent, or mysterious <an aloof and laconic stranger>. summary suggests the statement of main points with no elaboration or explanation <a summary listing of the year's main events>. pithy adds to succinct or terse the implication of richness of meaning or substance <a comedy sharpened by pithy one-liners>. compendious applies to what is at once full in scope and brief and concise in treatment <a compendious dictionary>.
2summary
noun sum·ma·ry \ˈsə-mə-rē also ˈsəm-rē\
: a brief statement that gives the most important information about something
plural sum·ma·ries
Full Definition of SUMMARY
: an abstract, abridgment, or compendium especially of a preceding discourse
See summary defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of SUMMARY
1509
Related to SUMMARY
- Synonyms
- abstract, breviary, brief, capsule, conspectus, digest, encapsulation, epitome, inventory, outline, précis, recap, recapitulation, résumé (or resume also resumé), roundup, rundown, run-through, sum, summa, summarization, summing-up, sum-up, synopsis, wrap-up
SUMMARY Defined for Kids
1summary
adjective sum·ma·ry \ˈsə-mə-rē\
Definition of SUMMARY for Kids
1
: expressing or covering the main points briefly : concise <a summary account>
2
: done without delay <summary punishment>
2summary
noun
plural sum·ma·ries
Definition of SUMMARY for Kids
: a short statement of the main points (as in a book or report)
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