summary
SUHM-uh-ree
Summary (noun) means a short version of a longer text that covers only the main points. Example: “She gave the board a one-page summary of the quarterly results.”
noun
1
A short version of a longer text that covers only the main points.
"She gave the board a one-page summary of the quarterly results."
"Read the summary at the top before diving into the full article."
"Please send me a quick summary of yesterday's meeting."
adj
1
Brief and to the point.
"The manager gave a summary reply that covered only the main points."
"I would prefer a summary explanation rather than a long lecture."
"He gave a summary account of what had happened."
2
Done quickly, without following the usual formal steps.
"The soldiers were accused of carrying out summary executions."
"The employee faced summary dismissal without a hearing or any warning."
"The club imposed a summary ban on anyone caught cheating."
How to use summary
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA short recap of the important parts of something longer — or, as an adjective, something done fast without the normal formalities.
Common mistake
"Summary" (concise) is not the same as "summery" (like summer weather) — they sound alike but mean completely different things.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
a brief summary
summary judgment
in summary
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Word forms
- Plural
- summaries
- Comparative
- more summary
- Superlative
- most summary
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She gave the board a one-page _____ of the quarterly results.
Etymology
From Latin summa ("total, sum") plus the adjective ending -arius, via Medieval Latin summarius.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for summary
See all rhymes for 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.
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