summary

[ suhm-uh-ree ]

noun

, plural sum·ma·ries.

1. a comprehensive and usually brief abstract, recapitulation, or compendium of previously stated facts or statements.

   Synonyms: précis, outline

adjective

1. brief and comprehensive; concise.

   Synonyms: succinct, compact, condensed, short

2. direct and prompt; unceremoniously fast:

   to treat someone with summary dispatch.

   Synonyms: brusque, terse, curt

3. (of legal proceedings, jurisdiction, etc.) conducted without, or exempt from, the various steps and delays of a formal trial.

summary

/ ˈsʌmərɪ /

noun

1. a brief account giving the main points of something

adjective

1. performed arbitrarily and quickly, without formality

   a summary execution

2. (of legal proceedings) short and free from the complexities and delays of a full trial
3. summary jurisdiction
   the right a court has to adjudicate immediately upon some matter arising during its proceedings
4. giving the gist or essence

Derived Forms

• ˈsummariness, noun
• ˈsummarily, adverb

Other Words From

• sum·mar·i·ness [s, uh, -, mair, -i-nis], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of summary¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin summārium, equivalent to summ(a) “sum” + -ārium noun suffix; sum, -ary

Word History and Origins

Origin of summary¹

C15: from Latin summārium, from summa sum ¹

Synonym Study

Summary, brief, digest, synopsis are terms for a short version of a longer work. A summary is a brief statement or restatement of main points, especially as a conclusion to a work: a summary of a chapter. A brief is a detailed outline, by heads and subheads, of a discourse (usually legal) to be completed: a brief for an argument. A digest is an abridgment of an article, book, etc., or an organized arrangement of material under heads and titles: a digest of a popular novel; a digest of Roman law. A synopsis is usually a compressed statement of the plot of a novel, play, etc.: a synopsis of Hamlet.

Example Sentences

You have the right, within six months of receiving a written summary of costs, to require a landlord to provide you with the opportunity to inspect the accounts, receipts and other documents.

From BBC

While outlining the summary of Mr McGregor's evidence, the jury were told that they cannot draw any adverse inference from his "no comment" answers to police weeks after the alleged incident.

From BBC

In its summary, the commission said it was "largely satisfied with processes in place within departments to apply, consider and approve exception requests".

From BBC

Plus, coming into “Dune: Prophecy” as a stone-cold uninitiate is a challenge for which the script compensates using a combination of summary via narration and a brief, expository title card.

From Salon

Jordan said they asked California officials to describe the measure in the ballot summary with the phrase, “Slavery of any kind is prohibited.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• analysis
• essence
• outline
• prospectus
• recap
• rehash
• review
• rundown
• sketch
• survey
• synopsis
• version