Meaning & Definition of word "Summarize"
to
Summarize
/ˈsʌməraɪz/
verb:
- 1. to give a brief statement of the main points of (something).
- Example: Please summarize the main findings of your research in a few sentences.
- 2. to make a summary of.
- Example: The teacher asked the students to summarize the chapter after reading it.
- 3. to condense or reduce to a shorter form while retaining the essential elements.
- Example: He summarized the lengthy report to make it easier for the board to digest.
- 4. to encapsulate a discussion or argument.
- Example: At the end of the meeting, she summarized the key points discussed.
Etymology
Late Middle English 'summarisen', from Old French 'sommaer' (to sum up), from Latin 'summarius' (of a summary).
Common Phrases and Expressions
summarize in a nutshell:
To express something in a very brief and simple way.
summarize the situation:
To give an overview of the current state of affairs.
Related Words
summary:
A brief statement of the main points of something.
sum:
The total amount resulting from the addition of two or more numbers or amounts.
abstract:
A brief summary of the contents of a book, article, or speech.
Slang Meanings of summarize
Meaning: To give a quick, simplified version of something, often with little detail.
Example Sentence: Can you summarize that email for me? I don't have time to read the whole thing.
Meaning: To quickly explain the key idea or conclusion of something.
Example Sentence: The teacher summarized the lesson in just a few words: 'Always check your work!'