summarize
Summarize (verb) means to reduce a longer piece of writing or speech down to its essential points. Example: “Can you summarize the meeting for anyone who missed it?”
How to use summarize
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo boil something long down to its main points.
Both British and American English use "summarize"; British writing sometimes uses "summarise" instead.
Word forms
summarized past tense, summarizes singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Can you _____ the meeting for anyone who missed it?
Etymology
From summary + the verb-forming suffix -ize.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for summarize
See all rhymes for summarize →Frequently asked questions
What does “summarize” mean?
The word “summarize” means to reduce a longer piece of writing or speech down to its essential points. In plain terms, to boil something long down to its main points.
How do you pronounce “summarize”?
“Summarize” is pronounced SUH-muh-ryz (/ˈsʌməˌɹaɪz/ in IPA).
How do you use “summarize” in a sentence?
Here is “summarize” used in a sentence: “Can you summarize the meeting for anyone who missed it?”
What is another word for “summarize”?
Words with a similar meaning to “summarize” include précis.
What part of speech is “summarize”?
“Summarize” is a verb.
Is “summarize” a common word?
“Summarize” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.