Definition

Noun: 1. A brief summary or general survey of something: A "synopsis" is a concise statement or outline that gives the main points of a longer piece of writing, a story, or a subject, without detailed explanation. 2. A sketchy summary of the main points of an argument or theory: In academic or formal contexts, it refers to a condensed presentation of the essential elements of a complex topic.

Usage and Examples

• General Summary:
  • The professor asked for a one-page synopsis of the research paper.
  • I read the synopsis on the back of the book before deciding to buy it.
• Summary of a Narrative:
  • The film's synopsis revealed a surprising plot twist.
  • She provided a clear synopsis of the novel's first three chapters.

Advanced Usage

• "to provide/give a synopsis of": To offer a summary.
  • The executive began the meeting by providing a synopsis of last quarter's performance.
• "detailed/brief synopsis": Describing the length or depth of the summary.
  • The agent requested a brief synopsis and the first three chapters of the manuscript.

Variants and Related Words

• Synopses (plural noun): The plural form of "synopsis".
  • The library contains synopses of hundreds of classic plays.

Synonyms

• Summary: A brief statement of the main points.
• Abstract: A summary of a scholarly article.
• Outline: A general description covering the main points.
• Precis: A concise summary of essential points.

Antonyms

• Elaboration: The addition of more detail.
• Expansion: The action of becoming more extensive.
• Detail: An individual feature, fact, or item.

Noun

1. a sketchy summary of the main points of an argument or theory