brief
word
/ˈbɹif/
breef
/bɹˈiːf/
breef
Definition
Something brief lasts for only a short time or uses only a few words. It can describe speech, writing, meetings, or events.
Usage & Nuances
Common in both everyday and formal English. Very often used before nouns: 'a brief summary', 'a brief meeting', 'a brief pause'. For communication, it means concise; for time, it means short in duration. Don't confuse it with the noun 'brief' meaning instructions or a summary, especially in work or legal contexts.
Spanish: breve - cortoPortuguese (BR): breve - curtoPortuguese (PT): breve - curtoChinese (Simplified): 简短的 - 短暂的Chinese (Traditional): 簡短的 - 短暫的Hindi: संक्षिप्त - छोटाArabic: موجز - قصيرBengali: সংক্ষিপ্ত - স্বল্পকালীনRussian: краткий - недолгийJapanese: 短い - 手短なVietnamese: ngắn gọn - ngắnKorean: 간단한 - 짧은Turkish: kısa - özUrdu: مختصر - تھوڑے وقت کاIndonesian: singkat - sebentar
Example Sentences
The teacher gave a brief answer.
basic
There was a brief pause before he spoke.
basic
We had a brief meeting this morning.
basic
I'll keep this brief because I know you're busy.
natural
It was a brief visit, but we had a great time.
natural
Can you give me a brief update before the call starts?
natural