summarize

/ˈsʌməraɪz/
verbIntermediate
formalinformal

to briefly state the main points or ideas of something

The professor asked the students to summarize the chapter in their own words.

The professor asked the students to briefly state the main points of the chapter in their own words.

The news anchor summarized the day's events in a two-minute segment.

The news anchor briefly stated the main points of the day's events in a two-minute segment.

💡

Often used in academic, professional, or media contexts to condense information.

Collocations

summarize the findingsto briefly state the main points of the findingssummarize the chapterto briefly state the main points of the chaptersummarize the reportto briefly state the main points of the report

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

in summaryphrase
to briefly state the main points
to sum upphrase
to briefly state the main points

💡Pro Tip

Use in Academic Writing

When summarizing a text, focus on the main ideas and key points, omitting minor details.

Gold Rule

Clarity and Conciseness

A good summary should be clear, concise, and capture the essence of the original text.

📖Word Origin

From Latin 'summa' (sum) + '-ize' (verb suffix), meaning to reduce to a sum or total.

📝Usage Notes

Commonly used in academic, professional, and media contexts to condense information. Often followed by 'the' or 'that' when referring to a specific text or topic.

Word Breakdown

sum
total or main point
root
+
-ize
to make or become
suffix
English Dictionary