B2 adjective Neutral

summary

/ˈsʌməri/

As an adjective, summary describes something that is done immediately and without the usual formalities or attention to detail. It often refers to legal or official actions performed quickly or in a concise, abbreviated manner.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The teacher provided a summary explanation of the complex theorem to save time.

The teacher provided a brief and concise explanation of the complex theorem to save time.

2

The court issued a summary judgment because there were no triable issues of fact.

The court issued an immediate legal decision because there were no triable issues of fact.

3

He gave me a summary brush-off when I tried to explain my side of the story.

He gave me a quick and dismissive rejection when I tried to explain my side of the story.

Word Family

Noun
summary
Verb
summarize
Adverb
summarily
Adjective
summary
Related
summation
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Memory Tip

Think of a 'Sum.' A sum is the quick total of many numbers without looking at each one individually. A 'summary' action is a quick result without looking at all the details.

Quick Quiz

The captain ordered the _____ execution of the spies without waiting for a trial.

Correct!

The correct answer is: summary

Examples

1

The teacher provided a summary explanation of the complex theorem to save time.

everyday

The teacher provided a brief and concise explanation of the complex theorem to save time.

2

The court issued a summary judgment because there were no triable issues of fact.

formal

The court issued an immediate legal decision because there were no triable issues of fact.

3

He gave me a summary brush-off when I tried to explain my side of the story.

informal

He gave me a quick and dismissive rejection when I tried to explain my side of the story.

4

The researcher included a summary analysis of the data in the introductory chapter.

academic

The researcher included a brief and condensed analysis of the data in the introductory chapter.

5

The board's summary dismissal of the CEO shocked the entire industry.

business

The board's immediate firing of the CEO without notice shocked the entire industry.

Word Family

Noun
summary
Verb
summarize
Adverb
summarily
Adjective
summary
Related
summation

Common Collocations

summary judgment a legal decision made without a full trial
summary dismissal the immediate firing of an employee
summary execution the killing of a person without a fair trial
summary account a short or condensed description
summary justice punishment given immediately without legal process

Common Phrases

in summary

to conclude or sum up

summary fashion

doing something in a quick, direct way

summary proceedings

legal actions handled quickly

Often Confused With

summary vs summery

Summery refers to characteristics of the season of summer, while summary refers to a brief account or a quick action.

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Usage Notes

When using summary as an adjective, it almost always precedes a noun. It carries a connotation of speed and sometimes a lack of thoroughness, especially in legal or professional settings.

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Common Mistakes

Learners often use the word 'summery' when they intend to write 'summary.' Additionally, they may forget that 'summary' can act as an adjective and try to use 'summarized' in contexts like 'summary judgment.'

💡

Memory Tip

Think of a 'Sum.' A sum is the quick total of many numbers without looking at each one individually. A 'summary' action is a quick result without looking at all the details.

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Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'summarium', meaning an epitome or abstract, which comes from 'summa' (sum/total).

Grammar Patterns

Used attributively (placed before the noun it modifies). It is a non-gradable adjective; you cannot usually be 'more summary' or 'most summary'. Functions both as a noun and an adjective.
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Cultural Context

In Western legal systems, a 'summary judgment' is a common procedural device used to avoid unnecessary trials when the facts are not in dispute.

Quick Quiz

The captain ordered the _____ execution of the spies without waiting for a trial.

Correct!

The correct answer is: summary

Related Words

homovestency

C1

Refers to the practice or state of wearing clothing that corresponds to one's own biological sex or gender identity. It is a technical term used primarily in psychological and sociological contexts to distinguish traditional dressing habits from cross-dressing or transvestism.

binavent

C1

To divide a single process, stream, or strategy into two distinct but parallel channels or outcomes. It is primarily used in technical or procedural contexts to describe the intentional and strategic splitting of resources or workflows to increase efficiency or manage complexity.

subclamious

C1

Describing a sound or environment that is moderately noisy or somewhat clamorous. It refers to a level of vocalization or background noise that is audible and potentially disruptive but falls short of a full, overwhelming clamor.

autographhood

C1

The state, quality, or condition of being an autograph or a handwritten original document. It refers to the status of a text or signature as having been personally inscribed by the individual it is attributed to.

prologcide

C1

Describing an action, policy, or mindset that involves the intentional destruction, removal, or bypassing of a prologue or introductory phase. It characterizes anything that seeks to eliminate the 'start' to reach the core or conclusion immediately.

inlegal

C1

A non-standard or archaic variation of the word 'illegal', referring to actions or conditions that are prohibited by law or official regulations. In modern English, it is primarily used as a distractor in language proficiency tests or found in non-native speech before prefix assimilation occurs.

hyperfacsion

C1

Describing a state of extreme fragmentation or division within a group, organization, or political body into numerous, often hostile, competing factions. It implies a level of discord where constructive cooperation is paralyzed by excessive micro-divisions.

dispetism

C1

To engage in a systematic and often petty rejection of established norms or authoritative directives. It describes the act of obstructing progress through deliberate non-compliance or by treating formal requirements with calculated contempt.

interautoite

C1

To automatically synchronize or integrate multiple autonomous systems or self-regulating processes into a unified whole. It is used to describe the seamless interaction between independent units that function without external intervention.

autolaudible

C1

Describing speech, writing, or behavior that is characterized by self-praise or self-commendation. It refers to the act of highlighting one's own merits or achievements, often used in a critical sense to imply vanity.

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