What does synopsis mean?
A synopsis is a concise account of the central ideas, events, or features of a longer work or situation. It gives readers, viewers, or listeners an overview without reproducing the full account, making it especially useful for books, films, plays, articles, and presentations. In medicine, a synopsis may briefly describe a patient’s condition, treatment, and likely course. The word comes from Greek and is appropriate in formal and professional contexts, although “summary” is more familiar in everyday speech. A synopsis is not simply a list of facts: it organizes the most important material so that the subject can be understood clearly and quickly. Related forms include the verb “synopsize,” meaning to make a synopsis of something.
nounA brief summary or outline of the main ideas in a book, film, play, article, or other work. In medicine and related fields, it may also refer to a concise account of a patient's condition or treatment.
- A brief summary or outline of the main ideas or plot of a work.
- A concise description of a subject, situation, or case, especially in professional or medical contexts.
"The film’s synopsis presents the central conflict without revealing every twist in the plot."
"Read the synopsis before deciding whether the novel is worth adding to your reading list."
"The medical synopsis summarizes the patient’s symptoms, treatment, and expected course."
The plural is formed by changing -is to -es: one synopsis, two synopses.
"The publisher included brief synopses of several forthcoming books."
From Greek roots meaning “seeing together,” a synopsis brings many parts into one compact view.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does synopsis come from?
The English word comes from Greek synopsis, meaning “an overview” or “a seeing together.” It was formed from syn-, meaning “together,” and opsis, meaning “sight” or “view.” The related English word synoptic likewise refers to a comprehensive or general view, especially of a subject or body of knowledge.
Related word forms
How synopsis is actually used
The word is formal but widely used in English. It is especially common in academic, literary, medical, and publishing contexts; in general conversation, “summary” is often more natural.
Easily confused with synopsis
A synopsis summarizes or outlines existing material, whereas a prognosis predicts what will happen, especially in medicine.