sum|ma|ry

sum|ma|ry «SUHM uhr ee», noun, plural -ries, adjective.

–n.

a brief statement giving the main points or substance of a matter; epitome; abstract; abridgment: »

This history book has a summary at the end of each chapter.

╂[< Latin summārium < summa sum (in genitive, main points)]

–adj.

1. containing or comprising the chief points; concise and comprehensive; brief; short: »

a summary account.

SYNONYM(S): terse, succinct.

2. direct and prompt; without delay: »

The soldier took summary vengeance by killing both his enemies. He cleared the table by the summary process of tilting everything upon it into the fireplace (Dickens).

3. carried out or determined rapidly, with the omission of certain formalities usually required by law: »

summary proceedings. The governor took summary action to aid the flood victims.

╂[< Medieval Latin summarius < Latin summa sum]

Synonym Study noun. Summary, digest mean a brief presentation of facts or subject matter. Summary applies to a brief statement, often in different words, giving only the main points of an article, chapter, book, speech, subject, proposed plan, or the like: »

Give a summary of today's lesson.

Digest applies to a shortened form, as of a book or article, leaving out less important details but keeping the original order, emphasis, and words: »

Some magazines contain digests of books.