noun
shrift
SHRIFT/ʃrɪft/
Attention given to someone's case, chiefly in the phrase “short shrift.”
The clerk gives the woman's request short shrift, turning toward his computer instead.
Etymology
Old English scrift referred to confession, penance, and absolution. In short shrift, the brief confession allowed before execution became an image for giving someone little time or consideration.
In context
Definition is important to us, and we're certainly not going to give it short shrift in this course. We're going to make every effort to define literature as carefully as we can.
More examples
- Her concerns get short shrift during the meeting.
- Don't give short shrift to the safety checks.
- The report gives short shrift to the cost of repairs.
Forms
shrift
Similar words
- consideration
- Suggests thoughtful evaluation, without implying the dismissiveness of short shrift.
- attention
- Refers broadly to notice or focus, not necessarily fair evaluation.