First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1brief
adjective \ˈbrēf\
: lasting only a short period of time
: using only a few words
of clothing : covering less of the body than is usual
Full Definition of BRIEF
1
: short in duration, extent, or length
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Origin of BRIEF
Middle English bref, breve, from Anglo-French bref, brief, from Latin brevis; akin to Old High German murg short, Greek brachys
Related to BRIEF
- Synonyms
- aphoristic, apothegmatic, concise, capsule, compact, compendious, crisp, curt, elliptical (or elliptic), epigrammatic, laconic, monosyllabic, pithy, sententious, succinct, summary, telegraphic, terse, thumbnail
- Antonyms
- circuitous, circumlocutory, diffuse, long-winded, prolix, rambling, verbose, windy, wordy
2brief
noun
: a brief statement or report
law : a document that states the facts a lawyer plans to use in a court case
: instructions that explain what a person is supposed to do
Full Definition of BRIEF
1
a : an official letter or mandate; especially : a papal letter less formal than a bull b : a specific instruction or responsibility <his brief was to strengthen the army>
2
[1brief]
3
: an outline of an argument; especially : a formal outline especially in law that sets forth the main contentions with supporting statements or evidence
See brief defined for English-language learners
Origin of BRIEF
Middle English bref, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin brevis, from Late Latin, summary, from Latin brevis, adjective
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to BRIEF
- Synonyms
- abstract, breviary, summary, capsule, conspectus, digest, encapsulation, epitome, inventory, outline, précis, recap, recapitulation, résumé (or resume also resumé), roundup, rundown, run-through, sum, summa, summarization, summing-up, sum-up, synopsis, wrap-up
3brief
verb
: to give information or instructions to (someone)
Full Definition of BRIEF
transitive verb
1
: to make an abstract or abridgment of
2
a : to give final precise instructions to b : to coach thoroughly in advance c : to give essential information to
See brief defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of BRIEF
15th century
Related to BRIEF
BRIEFED Defined for Kids
1brief
adjective \ˈbrēf\
brief·erbrief·est
Definition of BRIEF for Kids
: not very long : short <a brief explanation>
— brief·ly adverb
2brief
verb
briefedbrief·ing
Definition of BRIEF for Kids
: to give information or instructions to <The captain briefed the crew on the plan.>
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