rhizoverbBeta
DictionarysynopsisBrief summary
noun

synopsis

sih-NAHP-sis/sɪˈnɑːpsɪs/

A brief summary of the main points or plot.

The small card provides a synopsis of the longer picture story.

A long folded picture-story sequence compressed into three small key-scene panels on a single card held by an editor, concise plot summary visually, no writing.
Etymology
synGreektogether
+opsisGreeksight, appearance

Literally “a seeing all at once,” a synopsis offers a general view. A brief summary does this by bringing the main points together rather than presenting every detail.

In context

Jonathan Ullyot3:45
… read the plot synopsis to refresh myself if I don't remember the basic plot of Hamlet …
How to Close Read Poetry: Form, Nonce Structure, and Rhetorical Design

More examples

  • The proposal includes a plot synopsis.
  • He read the synopsis before reviewing the full report.
  • Several synopses were submitted with the manuscripts.

Forms

synopsis · synopses

Similar words

summary
Summary is the general equivalent; synopsis often outlines a plot or main argument.
abstract
An abstract summarizes a paper; a synopsis can cover stories or other material more broadly.