summarize
To give a brief statement of the main points
Examples
In a meeting
“Can you summarize the client's concerns in an email?”
Over coffee
“Just summarize the movie plot for me without spoilers.”
Why this word
shorten
Summarize means presenting main points in brief form, while shorten just means making something less long without focusing on key points
review
Summarize means condensing to essential points, while review means examining or going over material without necessarily condensing
outline
Summarize means giving a brief statement of main points, while outline provides structure or framework, often before full development
Usage tip
Use when you need to capture essential information quickly without all the details; focus on what's most important
Etymology
Medieval Latin 'summarium' from 'summa' (main point, sum) from 'summus' (highest)
Get a new word every morning
One precise word per day. Under 60 seconds to read. Free forever.
Related words
broach
To bring up or introduce a topic for discussion
streamline
To make a process or system more efficient by simplifying or eliminating unnecessary steps.
concise
Giving a lot of information clearly in few words.
ambiguous
Open to more than one interpretation; not clear or decided.
convey
To communicate or make an idea, feeling, or meaning known.
reiterate
To say something again for emphasis or clarity.