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synopsis

/səˈnɑpsəs/
/sɪˈnɒpsɪs/
IPA guide

Other forms: synopses

Synopsis is a noun meaning summary. Instead of reciting every line of the Shakespeare play you were assigned to read over the weekend, it might be more helpful for your classmates if you give them a synopsis of what happened.

The ancient Greek word synopsis means “general view.” Synonyms include abridgment, as in a shortened version of a book, and brief, which is a legal word, and sketch, which is a quick outline of a story. Other synonyms include abstract, compendium, digest (the noun form), and conspectus.

Definitions of synopsis
  1. noun
    a sketchy summary of the main points of an argument or theory
    synonyms: abstract, outline, precis
    see moresee less
    types:
    brief
    a condensed written summary or abstract
    apercu
    a short synopsis
    epitome
    a brief abstract (as of an article or book)
    type of:
    sum-up, summary
    a brief statement that presents the main points in a concise form
Pronunciation
US
/səˈnɑpsəs/
UK
/sɪˈnɒpsɪs/
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