What does summarise mean?
The verb summarise means to provide a brief statement or account of the main points of a larger work or idea. It involves condensing complex information into a shorter, more digestible form, highlighting the key points and essential information. This can be applied to various contexts, such as academic papers, news articles, or meetings. Summarising requires the ability to identify the most important information and convey it in a clear and concise manner. The word has its roots in the concept of summary, which has been a valuable tool for communication and comprehension throughout history.
verbTo summarise means to provide a brief statement or account of the main points of a larger work or idea.
- To provide a brief statement of the main points.
- To condense information into a shorter form.
"The professor asked the students to summarise the key findings of the research paper."
"The news article summarised the events leading up to the election."
"The teacher asked the students to summarise the plot of the novel."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of summarise
The word summarise originates from the Latin 'summarius', meaning 'of or pertaining to a summary'. The Latin term is derived from 'summa', meaning 'the highest' or 'the sum'. The verb summarise has been in use since the 15th century, evolving from the concept of providing a summary or a brief account of the main points.
How summarise is actually used
In British English, 'summarise' is used, while in American English, 'summarize' is preferred. Both are acceptable.