Meaning & Definition of word "Summary"

Summary

/ˈsʌməri/

noun:

  • 1. A brief statement or account of the main points of something.
    • Example: The report concludes with a summary of the key findings.
  • 2. A concise presentation of the main ideas of a topic.
    • Example: She provided a summary of the book for those who haven't read it.
  • 3. An overview, usually presented in a condensed format.
    • Example: The summary of the meeting was sent out to all participants.

verb:

  • 1. To provide a brief statement or account of something.
    • Example: Can you summarize the article in a few sentences?
  • 2. To state or express the main points succinctly.
    • Example: The teacher asked the students to summarize their findings.

Etymology

From Latin 'summarium', from 'summarius', meaning 'of a sum', derived from 'summus' meaning 'highest, total'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

In summary:

Used to introduce a brief statement that consolidates the main points.

Summary judgment:

A legal term for a judgment without a full trial.

Summed up:

To express something in a concise way.

Related Words

summarize:

To give a brief statement of the main points of something.

summary report:

A report that provides a summary of information.

summation:

The process of adding things together.

Slang Meanings of summary

Meaning: Quick recap

Example Sentence: Just give me a quick recap of what happened.

Meaning: Cliff’s Notes

Example Sentence: I didn’t read the book, I just used the Cliff’s Notes for the summary.