synopsis

Definition

A brief summary of the major points of a written work, either as prose or as a table; an abridgment or condensation of a work.

Etymology

From Late Latin synopsis, itself from Ancient Greek σύνοψις (súnopsis), from σύν (sún, “with or whole”) + ὄψις (ópsis, “view”) meaning whole view.

Example Sentences

• "The following Synopsis is intended as a monograph of those species of the order hitherto discovered…"
• "In the following synopsis of the history of the United States the principal events are briefly mentioned…"
• "A Synopsis, on the other hand, should be short enough and general enough so that a person who has not yet begun to study the language can follow it…"

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