Definition of brief

Email this page to a friend

< Brie

briefcase >

brief    (brf) KEY 

ADJECTIVE:
brief·er, brief·est

1. Short in time, duration, length, or extent.
2. Succinct; concise: a brief account of the incident.
3. Curt; abrupt.

NOUN:

1. A short, succinct statement.
2. A condensation or an abstract of a larger document or series of documents.
3. Law
   1. A formal outline listing main contentions along with supporting evidence and documentation.
   2. A document containing all the facts and points of law pertinent to a specific case, filed by an attorney before arguing the case in court.
4. Roman Catholic Church A papal letter that is not as formal as a bull.
5. A briefing.
6. briefs Short, tight-fitting underpants.

TRANSITIVE VERB:
briefed, brief·ing, briefs

1. To summarize.
2. To give instructions or preparatory information to: briefed the astronauts before the mission.

IDIOM:
in brief

In short.

---

ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English bref, from Old French, from Latin brevis. N., Middle English bref, written communication from Old French, from Medieval Latin breve, from Latin, neuter of brevis, short; see mregh-u- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
briefer(Noun), briefly(Adverb), briefness(Noun)