brief

/bɹiːf/
🔵 Intermediate

Word Statistics

Difficulty LevelIntermediate

Standard vocabulary

Word FrequencyVery Common

Used frequently in everyday conversation

Syllables1

Simple pronunciation

Analysis:

  • Common vocabulary word
  • Simple pronunciation
noun

1. A writ summoning one to answer to any action.

2. An answer to any action.

3. A memorandum of points of fact or of law for use in conducting a case.

4. (by extension) A position of interest or advocacy.

5. An attorney's legal argument in written form for submission to a court.

6. (English law) The material relevant to a case, delivered by a solicitor to the barrister who tries the case.

7. A short news story or report.

"We got a news brief."

8. (usually in the plural) undershorts briefs.

"I wear boxers under trousers but for sports I usually wear a brief."

9. A summary, précis or epitome; an abridgement or abstract.

10. A letter patent, from proper authority, authorizing a collection or charitable contribution of money in churches, for any public or private purpose.

11. (slang) A ticket of any type.

verb

1. To summarize a recent development to some person with decision-making power.

"The U.S. president was briefed on the military coup and its implications on African stability."

2. To write a legal argument and submit it to a court.

adjective

1. Of short duration; happening quickly.

"Her reign was brief but spectacular."

2. Concise; taking few words.

"His speech of acceptance was brief but moving."

3. Occupying a small distance, area or spatial extent; short.

"Her skirt was extremely brief but doubtless cool."

4. Rife; common; prevalent.

adverb

1. Briefly.

2. Soon; quickly.

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