noun
Uncommon
gist
jihst
Gist (noun) means the main point or essential meaning of something longer or more complicated. Example: “I didn't catch every word, but I got the gist of the argument.”
noun
1
The main point or essential meaning of something longer or more complicated.
"There's evidence that even our unconscious efficiently only stores the gists of memories and that to fill in details our conscious fabricates them."
— Paul Dehn Carleton, Un- to CONSCIOUSness (2004)
"I didn't catch every word, but I got the gist of the argument."
"Just give me the gist — I don't need all the details."
"I don't remember his exact words, but the gist of it was that he wanted it all for nothing, as quickly as possible, without any effort."
— Fyodor Dostoyevsky (2003)
"I don't wanna belabor my point; I'm sure you get the gist."
How to use gist
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe core idea or main point of something, stripped of the details.
Common pairings
get the gist
the gist of it
catch the gist
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Word forms
- Plural
- gists
- Third person singular
- gists
- Past tense
- gisted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
I didn't catch every word, but I got the _____ of the argument.
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman legal French gist ("[the case] lies/rests"), from Old French gesir ("to lie"), ultimately from Latin iacere ("to lie down").
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for gist
See all rhymes for gist →Frequently asked questions
What does “gist” mean?
The word “gist” means the main point or essential meaning of something longer or more complicated. In plain terms, the core idea or main point of something, stripped of the details.
How do you pronounce “gist”?
“Gist” is pronounced jihst (/d͡ʒɪst/ in IPA).
How do you use “gist” in a sentence?
Here is “gist” used in a sentence: “I didn't catch every word, but I got the gist of the argument.”
What is another word for “gist”?
Words with a similar meaning to “gist” include bowels, sum, brass tacks, core, crux and essence.
What part of speech is “gist”?
“Gist” is a noun.
Where does the word “gist” come from?
The word “gist” comes from Latin. From Anglo-Norman legal French gist ("[the case] lies/rests"), from Old French gesir ("to lie"), ultimately from Latin iacere ("to lie down").
Is “gist” a common word?
“Gist” is an uncommon word in modern English.
