brief

Phonetics

/bɹiːf/

noun

A writ summoning one to answer to any action.
An answer to any action.
A memorandum of points of fact or of law for use in conducting a case.
(by extension) A position of interest or advocacy.
An attorney's legal argument in written form for submission to a court.
(English law) The material relevant to a case, delivered by a solicitor to the barrister who tries the case.
A short news story or report.
Example: We got a news brief.
(usually in the plural) undershorts briefs.
Example: I wear boxers under trousers but for sports I usually wear a brief.
A summary, précis or epitome; an abridgement or abstract.
A letter patent, from proper authority, authorizing a collection or charitable contribution of money in churches, for any public or private purpose.
(slang) A ticket of any type.

verb

To summarize a recent development to some person with decision-making power.
Example: The U.S. president was briefed on the military coup and its implications on African stability.
To write a legal argument and submit it to a court.

adjective

Of short duration; happening quickly.
Example: Her reign was brief but spectacular.
Concise; taking few words.
Example: His speech of acceptance was brief but moving.
Occupying a small distance, area or spatial extent; short.
Example: Her skirt was extremely brief but doubtless cool.
Rife; common; prevalent.

adverb

Meaning of brief in English | Powered by Free Dictionary API