B1verb2K

Summarize

UK /["/ˈsʌməraɪz/","/ˈsʌməraɪzɪz/","/ˈsʌməraɪzd/","/ˈsʌməraɪzɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˈsʌməraɪz/","/ˈsʌməraɪzɪz/","/ˈsʌməraɪzd/","/ˈsʌməraɪzɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to give a summary of something

In simple words: To tell the main points of something in a shorter way.

Examples

This essay briefly summarizes some of our approaches.
The results of the research are summarized at the end of the chapter.
To summarize, the main conclusions are as follows…
The findings are summarized in Table 4.
The main findings of this research are summarized below.
The research has been usefully summarized in an article by Greenwood.
The argument can be summarized as follows:…

Usage notes

Use 'summarize' in academic or professional contexts when you need to condense information. Avoid using it in very casual settings.

Grammar pattern

summarize + object

Memory hint

Think of 'sum' in 'summarize' — like adding up the main points.

Collocations

briefly
succinctly
accurately
attempt to
try to
be possible to
as
in

Synonyms

condense
recap
outline
abridge
brief

Antonyms

expand
elaborate

Common mistakes

'Summarize' is often confused with 'summarisation' which is incorrect.
Learners sometimes forget to include the main ideas when summarizing.
Mistakenly using 'summarize' as a noun instead of a verb.