brief

brief · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Of short duration; not lasting long.

  2. 2.

    A concise statement or summary.

  3. 3.

    To give information or instructions to someone.

  4. 4.

    Using few words; concise.

  5. 5.

    (plural: briefs) Short, close-fitting underpants.

  6. 6.

    Instructions given to someone about a task.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    in brief — in summary; briefly
  • •
    hold no brief for — to have no sympathy or support for
  • •
    brief encounter — a short meeting or relationship
  • •
    to be brief — to speak concisely

Related words

Antonyms: lengthy, long, prolonged
See also: briefing, briefly, short
Synonyms: concise, fleeting, short, succinct

Etymology

From Old French "brief," from Latin "brevis" meaning short, related to Greek "brakhys" (short).