VocabDictionary

summary

/ˈsʌm.ə.ri/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

A brief statement or account of the main points of something.

Example Sentences:
  • “The teacher asked the students to write a one-page summary of the novel.”
  • “At the end of the meeting, the manager provided a quick summary of the action items.”
2.adjective

Done or made quickly and concisely, often without the usual formalities.

Example Sentences:
  • “The company conducted a summary dismissal of the employee for violating safety protocols.”
  • “The judge ordered a summary judgment to resolve the case without a full trial.”
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “summary”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Middle English 'summarie', originating from the Old French 'sommaire', which traces back to the Latin 'summarium' (a summary, epitome, or abstract). This Latin root is derived from 'summa' (the top, summit, or total), reflecting the idea of bringing the 'top' or most essential points of a text together.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a 'sum' in math: a summary is the 'sum' of all the main points.

Frequently Asked Questions About “summary”

1. What is the meaning of “summary” in English?

In English, summary (noun) is defined as: “A brief statement or account of the main points of something.”.

2. How do you use “summary” in a sentence?

“The teacher asked the students to write a one-page summary of the novel.”

3. What are English synonyms of “summary”?

Common synonyms include:abstract,synopsis,recap,outline,abridgment

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “summary”?

Derived from the Middle English 'summarie', originating from the Old French 'sommaire', which traces back to the Latin 'summarium' (a summary, epitome, or abstract). This Latin root is derived from 'summa' (the top, summit, or total), reflecting the idea of bringing the 'top' or most essential points of a text together.