gist
word
Definition
The general or main point of something, such as a conversation, story, or text.
Usage & Nuances
Mostly used in informal and neutral contexts. Commonly appears in phrases like 'get the gist' (understand the main idea). Not used for detailed analysis—focuses only on the main meaning.
Spanish: esencia - idea principalPortuguese (BR): essência - ideia principalPortuguese (PT): essência - ideia principalChinese (Simplified): 要点 - 大意Chinese (Traditional): 要點 - 大意Hindi: सारांश - मुख्य बातArabic: لب الموضوع - الفكرة الأساسيةBengali: মূল কথা - সারাংশRussian: суть - основная идеяJapanese: 要点 - 本質Vietnamese: ý chính - nội dung chínhKorean: 요점 - 골자Turkish: ana fikir - özUrdu: خلاصہ - مرکزی نکتہIndonesian: inti sari - pokok pembicaraan
Example Sentences
Can you tell me the gist of the article?
basic
I got the gist of what he was saying.
basic
The gist of the story is about helping others.
basic
Just give me the gist. I don't need all the details.
natural
After reading the email quickly, I got the gist.
natural
He doesn't speak much English, but he usually gets the gist of our conversations.
natural