gist

[ jist ]

noun

1. the main or essential part of a matter:

   What was the gist of his speech?

   Synonyms: import, kernel, burden, substance, point, essence

2. the ground of a legal action.

gist

/ dʒɪst /

noun

1. the point or substance of an argument, speech, etc
2. law the essential point of an action

Word History and Origins

Origin of gist¹

First recorded in 1720–30; from Anglo-French (cest action) gist “(this matter) lies,” 3rd-person singular present of Anglo-French, Old French gesir “to lie” (compare modern French ci-gît “here lies”), ultimately from Latin jacēre; adjacent ( def ), hic jacet ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of gist¹

C18: from Anglo-French, as in cest action gist en this action consists in, literally: lies in, from Old French gésir to lie, from Latin jacēre, from jacere to throw

Example Sentences

The gist of Grewal’s argument is that the funding for Coinbase’s contract comes from seized crypto assets in the Justice Department’s Assets Forfeiture Fund, not from congressional appropriations.

From Los Angeles Times

“The general gist of saying everything is worse, is dangerous — it’s not true. But aesthetically, things have gotten worse,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Her campaign spokesperson, Venus Gist, said the recall is more than a local issue.

From Los Angeles Times

The gist was this: Clement had proven himself to be a competent manager in his first season and would get the time he needed to rebuild his team, no matter the heat that came from supporters if things got bumpy on the road, no matter if Celtic won the league this season and next.

From BBC

Mostly, I rationalized that it was enough to get the gist of what everyone was talking about—I could always follow up with a colleague for the details later on.

From Slate

Related Words

• summary
• tenor
• upshot