Gist

/dʒɪst/

Meaning & Definition

noun

the main or essential part of a matter.

The gist of the conversation was that we need to change our strategy.

the central idea or theme of a text.

After reading the article, I grasped the gist of the author's argument.

a summary or excerpt that conveys the main point.

Can you give me the gist of the meeting's discussion?

the essential nature or substance of something.

The gist of the debate revolved around the importance of education.

a general or broad understanding of something.

Even if I didn't catch every detail, I got the gist of the film.

Originates from Middle English 'gist' meaning 'to be' or 'to exist', from Old French 'gistre'.

get the gist

To understand the main idea.

miss the gist

To fail to understand the main point.

in a nutshell

To summarize or state the gist clearly and briefly.

summary

A brief statement of the main points.

highlights

The most interesting or important parts.

overview

A general summary or view of something.

The main idea or point you take away.

I didn't read the whole report, but I got the gist.

Understanding the essential part of a conversation.

I was lost at first, but I really got the gist after a while.