Dictionary

1summary

adjective sum·ma·ry \ˈsə-mə-rē also ˈsəm-rē or -ˌmer-ē\

: using few words to give the most important information about something

: done quickly in a way that does not follow the normal process

Full Definition of SUMMARY

1
:  comprehensive; especially :  covering the main points succinctly
2
a :  done without delay or formality :  quickly executed <a summary dismissal>
b :  of, relating to, or using a summary proceeding <a summary trial>
sum·mar·i·ly \(ˌ)sə-ˈmer-ə-lē\ adverb
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Origin of SUMMARY

Middle English, from Medieval Latin summarius, from Latin summa sum
First Known Use: 15th century

Synonym Discussion of SUMMARY

concise, terse, succinct, laconic, summary, pithy, compendious mean very brief in statement or expression. concise suggests the removal of all that is superfluous or elaborative <a concise description>. terse implies pointed conciseness <a terse reply>. succinct implies the greatest possible compression <a succinct letter of resignation>. laconic implies brevity to the point of seeming rude, indifferent, or mysterious <an aloof and laconic stranger>. summary suggests the statement of main points with no elaboration or explanation <a summary listing of the year's main events>. pithy adds to succinct or terse the implication of richness of meaning or substance <a comedy sharpened by pithy one-liners>. compendious applies to what is at once full in scope and brief and concise in treatment <a compendious dictionary>.

2summary

noun sum·ma·ry \ˈsə-mə-rē also ˈsəm-rē\

: a brief statement that gives the most important information about something

plural sum·ma·ries

Full Definition of SUMMARY

:  an abstract, abridgment, or compendium especially of a preceding discourse

First Known Use of SUMMARY

1509
SUMMARILY Defined for Kids

1summary

adjective sum·ma·ry \ˈsə-mə-rē\

Definition of SUMMARY for Kids

1
:  expressing or covering the main points briefly :  concise <a summary account>
2
:  done without delay <summary punishment>

2summary

noun
plural sum·ma·ries

Definition of SUMMARY for Kids

:  a short statement of the main points (as in a book or report)

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