summary
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for summary, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A short version of a longer text that covers only the main points.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use summary
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin summa ("total, sum") plus the adjective ending -arius, via Medieval Latin summarius.
Full origin of summary →Frequently asked questions
What does “summary” mean?
The word “summary” means a short version of a longer text that covers only the main points. In plain terms, a short recap of the important parts of something longer — or, as an adjective, something done fast without the normal formalities.
How do you pronounce “summary”?
“Summary” is pronounced SUHM-uh-ree (/ˈsʌm.ə.ɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “summary” in a sentence?
Here is “summary” used in a sentence: “She gave the board a one-page summary of the quarterly results.”
What part of speech is “summary”?
Depending on how it is used, “summary” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “summary” come from?
The word “summary” comes from Medieval Latin. From Latin summa ("total, sum") plus the adjective ending -arius, via Medieval Latin summarius.
Is “summary” a common word?
“Summary” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “summary” have?
“Summary” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a short version of a longer text that covers only the main points.
What is the difference between a summary and an abstract?
A summary is a short version of a longer text covering only its main points, and can be written for almost any kind of material. An abstract is a specific type of summary placed at the start of an academic or research paper to outline its purpose, method, and findings.
What is the difference between a summary and a synopsis?
A summary condenses the main points of any text into a shorter form. A synopsis usually outlines the plot or storyline of a narrative work such as a film, novel, or play, often following the sequence of events rather than just listing key ideas.