summary

SUM-uh-ree/ˈsʌməɹi/

Pluralsummaries

4 meanings of summary

1
nouncountable
A short version that gives the main points of something longer.
Like telling a friend about a whole movie in just a few sentences.
The teacher asked us to write a summary of the story.
She read a quick summary before the meeting started.
Similarsynopsis, overview, outline, abstract, digest
2
adjective
Short and to the point, giving only the main information.
Like a short note instead of a whole long letter.
The book ends with a summary chapter listing the key facts.
He gave a summary answer instead of a long explanation.
Similarbrief, concise, short, condensed, succinct
Oppositedetailed, lengthy, full
Note
3
adjective
Done quickly, without the proper steps and often without caring about the law.
Like punishing someone right away without first asking what really happened.
The troops carried out summary punishments without any trial.
An angry crowd demanded summary revenge against the thief.
Similararbitrary, swift, immediate, instant
Note
4
adjective
Done by skipping the full trial steps, but still following the law.
Like settling an argument with one quick ruling instead of a long meeting, but still by the rules.
The judge made a summary decision based only on the written papers.
Small debts are often settled in a summary hearing.
Note

Practice

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Origins

Meanings 2–4

From Latin summa, meaning "total" or "sum," plus a suffix that makes adjectives.

Meaning 1

From Latin summa, meaning "total" or "sum," plus a suffix that makes nouns.