brief (2024)

FAQs

What is the full meaning of brief? ›

brief adjective (SHORT IN TIME)

lasting only a short time or containing few words: His acceptance speech was mercifully brief. I had a brief look at her report before the meeting.

: an outline of an argument. especially, law : a formal written presentation of an argument that sets forth the main points with supporting precedents and evidence. a legal brief. filed a brief.

Something brief is short and to the point. If you make a brief visit, you don't stay long. If you make a brief statement, you use few words. If you wear brief shorts, you are showing a little too much leg. As a noun, a brief is a condensed summary or abstract, especially a legal summary of a case.

A brief speech or piece of writing does not contain too many words or details. In a brief statement, he concentrated entirely on international affairs. Synonyms: concise, short, limited, to the point More Synonyms of brief.

The Meaning and Origin of 'Brief'

The French word derives from Latin brevis, nominally meaning "summary" or "short document" and adjectivally "short." Fittingly, both English words denote shortness or conciseness—chiefly in speech or writing, or in regard to time (as in "a brief description" or "a brief visit").

A brief is a written legal argument presented to the court with the purpose of convincing the judge to rule in favor of your client. A brief can take various forms based on the nature and stage of the litigation.

​to give somebody information about something so that they are prepared to deal with it. brief somebody I expect to be kept fully briefed at all times. brief somebody on/about something The officer briefed her on what to expect.

A brief is a written argument submitted to the court. Lawyers often prepare briefs which highlight and clarify certain information or provide legal comparisons in an attempt to persuade the courtroom to rule in favor of that lawyer's client.

This can be in a positive sense as in 'I don't want to keep you long so I'll be brief' but it can also have a negative connotation as in 'She can be a bit brief but don't let that put you off'.

What is the legal word for brief? ›

Memorandum of law may be another word for brief, although that term may also be used to describe an internal document in a law firm in which an attorney attempts to analyze a client's legal position without arguing for a specific interpretation of the law.

'Brief' means short (in length), and its antonyms are long and lengthy. 'Brief' also means short time, and its opposites are slow, lasting, long and lengthy.

brief adjective (SHORT IN TIME)

lasting only a short time or containing few words: His acceptance speech was mercifully brief. I had a brief look at her report before the meeting. It'll only be a brief visit because we really don't have much time.

It ultimately comes from the Latin brevis, meaning “short.” Whether it's used as an adjective, a noun, or a verb, the word brief always involves things that are short in length or duration.