B1noun1K

Summary

UK /["/ˈsʌməri/"]/US /["/ˈsʌməri/"]/

Definition

a short statement that gives only the main points of something, not the details

In simple words: A short version of a longer text that includes the main points.

Examples

The summary of the book provided a clear understanding of its main themes.
Can you give me a summary of your findings from the research?
Her summary of the movie was so engaging that I wanted to watch it immediately.
In the meeting, I presented a summary of our progress over the last quarter.
He wrote a brief summary of the article for the newsletter.

Usage notes

Used when condensing information. Appropriate in both academic and everyday contexts. Avoid in casual conversation unless discussing a specific text.

Grammar pattern

summary + of + object

Memory hint

Sounds like 'sum up a story' — think about compressing information into a brief overview.

Collocations

accurate
apt
clear
make
prepare
publish
sheet
table
report
in summary
in a/the summary
summary of
in summary form

Synonyms

overview
abstract
recap
digest
synopsis

Antonyms

detail
expansion

Common mistakes

Using 'summery' instead of 'summary'
'Summary' is sometimes confused with 'resume'
Mistaking summaries for opinions or interpretations