summary

Everyday

1. A summary is a short version of something longer, giving only the main points. tree →
2. (formal, adjective) Summary means done quickly, without the usual steps: «summary justice». tree →
3. «In summary» means «to put it briefly». tree →

In the lessons

In English lessons pupils write a summary of a story or a chapter. In science a summary of results ends a report. In maths a «summary table» shows totals. In everyday life news and websites give summaries. Phrases: «in summary», «a brief summary», «write a summary».

Examples

• Write a summary of the story in five sentences. tree →
• The news gave a short summary of the match. tree →
• In summary, plants need light, water and air. tree →
• The teacher read our summaries aloud. tree →
• The summary at the end of the chapter helps with revision. tree →
• A summary table shows the total sales for each day. tree →
• The book's back cover has a summary of the plot. tree →

Note

Plural: summaries. Verb: summarise (UK) or summarize (US). A summary should be shorter and in your own words; copying sentences is not a summary. Do not confuse with «summery» (like summer). Formal «summary dismissal» means being sacked at once.