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Synopsis Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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synopsis

[ˈsɪnəpsɪs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

movie plot summary

A brief summary or general survey of the main points of a movie, play, etc.

Synonyms

abstract, outline, overview, summary.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
synopsis

Used in the context of summarizing the key points of a book, movie, or other work of art. Often found in reviews or promotional materials.

  • The synopsis of the movie was intriguing and made me want to watch it.
  • Please provide a brief synopsis of the book for the website.
summary

General term used in everyday language to briefly describe the main points or important information in a text, speech, or event.

  • Can you give me a quick summary of the meeting?
  • The article included a summary of the key findings at the end.
abstract

Common in academic and research settings. Summarizes a study, article, or scientific paper. Usually technical and factual.

  • The abstract of her dissertation provided a concise overview of her research findings.
  • Before reading the full paper, I skimmed the abstract to understand the main points.
overview

Used for giving a general, broad understanding of a topic, situation, or process. Frequently used in presentations and reports.

  • The manager gave an overview of the company's performance over the last quarter.
  • During the orientation, we received an overview of the university's facilities.
outline

Often used in educational or organizational settings to show the structure or main components of a document, plan, or presentation. Usually bulleted or numbered.

  • Create an outline before writing your essay to organize your thoughts.
  • The project outline was reviewed in the meeting to ensure everyone understood their tasks.

Examples of usage

  • A synopsis of the latest blockbuster movie was published in the newspaper.
  • She provided a concise synopsis of the play for those who hadn't read the script.
  • The professor asked the students to write a synopsis of the assigned film for their next class.
  • The synopsis on the back cover of the novel intrigued me enough to purchase it.
  • I always read the synopsis before deciding to watch a movie.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'synopsis'

The word 'synopsis' originates from the Greek word 'sunopsis', which means 'a comprehensive view'. It entered the English language in the late 17th century. The concept of a synopsis has been used in literature and academia for centuries, providing a concise overview of the main points of a work. In modern times, synopses are commonly used in the entertainment industry to give audiences a quick overview of the plot of a movie, book, or play.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,181, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.