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

"Both sides have deliberately targeted civilians through attacks, summary executions, arbitrary detention, torture, and inhuman treatment in detention facilities, including denial of food, sanitation, and medical care," said Fact-Finding Mission chair, Mohamed Chande Othman.

From BBC

The summary falsely made it appear BBC News had published an article claiming he had shot himself - when he had not.

From BBC

Google shows AI-generated summaries of search results, released an “AI mode” in search and has a virtual assistant called Gemini.

From Los Angeles Times

In a summary of Israeli policies and actions, the declaration notes the widespread attacks on both the personnel and facilities needed for survival, including in the healthcare, aid, and educational sectors.

From BBC

The policy document handed out to attendees was just four pages long, even if a party source insisted this was just a summary of Reform's - still secret - 100 page plan.

From BBC

Related Words

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