Brief Meaning and Definition
Brief
Pronunciation
/ˈbriːf/
Part of Speech
Noun or Verb
Definition
Brief: A written or oral summary of a subject or a report, often of limited length, used to provide an overview or key points.
Examples
- The lawyer read a brief summary of the case to the client.
- She gave a brief introduction to the presentation.
Etymology
The word ‘brief’ comes from the Old French word ‘brife’, meaning ‘short’ or ‘summary’, which is derived from the Latin ‘brevis’, also meaning ‘short’.
Usage Notes
The verb form of ‘brief’ means to provide a summary or explanation, while the noun form refers to the summary itself.
Cultural References
- The movie ‘A Brief History of Time’ features a summary of Stephen Hawking’s book of the same title.
- The term ‘brief case’ is often used to refer to a small, portable case used to carry important documents.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- ‘Give a brief account’: to provide a summary of a situation or event.
- ‘Take a brief’: to take a short rest or break.
Related Words or Phrases
- Summary
- Synopsis
- Resume
Collocations
- brief report
- briefings
- brief summary
Frequency of Use
The word ‘brief’ is commonly used in formal and business settings to refer to summaries or reports.
Common Misspellings
- Brie
- Brife
Additional Information
A brief can be written or oral and is often used in a variety of settings, including business, law, and education.
Briefs can be formal or informal, and their length can vary depending on the purpose and audience.
They are often used to provide a concise overview of a complex issue or topic, making it easier for readers or listeners to understand the key points.