summarise - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
summarise Word Meanings
- to give a brief statement of the main points
- to extract the essential information
- to condense a text into a shorter form
summarise Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
summarise Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈsʌməraɪz/
US
/ˈsʌməraɪz/
summarise Word Etymology
(a) Root decomposition - sum (base) + ar (suffix indicating action) + ise (verb suffix). (b) Historical origin - Latin 'summare' → Old French 'sommaer' → English 'summarise'. (c) Memory image - Imagine a teacher quickly jotting down the main points of a lengthy lecture to prepare a concise summary for students.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Summarise is a verb used in British English to describe giving a concise statement of the main points, extracting essential information, or condensing a text into a shorter form. In classrooms, meetings, and media writing you may be asked to summarise a long article, report, or lecture. The goal is to identify the core ideas, exclude irrelevant details, and present the gist clearly and logically. Summaries should capture meaning rather than exact wording, and they contrast with paraphrase or quotation. The word comes from sum (base) plus ar (action) and ise (verb suffix); historically it derives from Latin summare, then Old French sommaer. A memory image: a teacher quickly jotting the main points for students.
Usage Reminders
- Keep the summary brief and objective
- Identify core ideas before writing
- Avoid copying phrases verbatim
- Use your own words and a logical order
- Prefer present tense for general summaries, past for completed ones
- Check the text length to match the required form
Common Misconceptions
- A summary is a paraphrase of every sentence
- If you quote something, it counts as a summary
- Summaries should include every detail from the original
- Summaries must imitate the tone of the source exactly
- Short means random points, not the main ideas
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker (meta, keep short)
Learning Tips
- Read a source once to grasp the main ideas
- Underline or note the core points before writing
- Draft a short version first, then trim
- Avoid copying phrases; use your own words
- Check the order: start with the thesis, then reasons
- Practice with different lengths and genres
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'summarise' mean?
A.To create a lengthy report
B.To elaborate on details
C.To provide a brief statement of the main points
D.To simplify a complex idea
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'summarise' correctly?
A.Can you summarise the meeting in a few sentences?
B.I will summarise the novel in a long essay.
C.The student failed to summarise the artwork.
D.She summarise the ingredients for the recipe.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is the most similar to 'summarise'?
A.Condense
B.Embellish
C.Elaborate
D.Disguise
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'summarise'?
A.Contract
B.Expand
C.Decrease
D.Simplify
Step 5: Mastery
Can you provide a scenario where someone might need to summarise information?
A.During the presentation, she was asked to share the key points.
B.After reading the report, he decided to write an extensive analysis.
C.While studying, they created a detailed outline of the chapter.
D.He created a complex diagram to explain his idea.
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