Summarize Meaning in English
word
Definition
To give a short and clear description of the main ideas or most important points from something longer, such as a text, speech, or meeting.
Usage & Nuances
Used mostly in academic, professional, or educational settings. Common collocations include 'summarize a text', 'summarize the main points', and 'can you summarize...?' Focus on main ideas, not details. Don't confuse 'summarize' (make short) with 'paraphrase' (reword).
Example Sentences
Can you summarize this article in a few sentences?
basic
The teacher asked us to summarize the story.
basic
Please summarize your main ideas.
basic
I'll summarize what happened in the meeting for everyone who missed it.
natural
It's not easy to summarize such a long book in just one paragraph.
natural
Could you summarize your opinion before we move on?
natural