Definition

A brief summary that includes the main points or ideas of a longer text.

Example

The student wrote a precis of the article to highlight its key arguments.

Conversation

Have you finished writing your precis for the article yet?

Not yet, I'm still trying to summarize it properly.

I find that making bullet points helps with the precis.

That's a great idea! I'll try that to make it clearer.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

**Precis** → It originates from the French word *précis*, meaning precise or exact. The term is derived from the Latin *praecisus*, which is the past participle of *praecidere* (meaning to cut off or cut short). Thus, a precis is a concise summary that cuts down the original text to its essential points.

Memory Tip

Think of a summary that 'cuts short' the original text — that's what a precis does by providing a precise overview.

Visually Confused Words