easy
Write a three-sentence summary of the chapter.
What does Summary mean?
A summary is a short statement of the main ideas or facts.
Dictionary definition
A summary is a short, clear statement of the main ideas or facts. As an adjective, summary can mean brief and focused on the main points. In formal and legal language, it can also describe an action done quickly and without the usual full process, as in summary dismissal.
Example sentences
Summary in a sentence
medium
The news summary included the result but left out minor details.
medium
In summary, the class chose the safer design.
hard
The report begins with a summary table of the main findings.
hard
The phrase summary dismissal is formal language for being removed quickly without the usual full procedure.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice summary in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
⬡ Earn 5 Honey
Practice the meaning of Summary
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What should a good summary contain?
A summary keeps the essential information and leaves out most minor detail.
Practice 2
Which sentence uses summary as an adjective?
Before table, summary is an adjective meaning brief and focused on main points.
Practice 3
Choose the best word: A ____ tells the main events, while the full story includes scenes and details.
A summary condenses the main events or ideas.
Practice complete
Nice work!
You completed 3 questions.
Pronunciation coach
⬡ Earn 5 Honey
Summary
Voice settings
Sounds like
sum · uh · ree · strongest beat: sum
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordSummary.
Partnoun, adjective.
MeaningSummary means A summary is a short statement of the main ideas or facts.
ExampleExample: Write a three-sentence summary of the chapter.
Word breakdown
3 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- sum · uh · ree
- Strongest beat
- sum
- Ending
- ree
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on sum.
Your turn
Say Summary
Record a short attempt, then compare it with the Coach. Your recording stays on this device and is not uploaded.
Coach
My attempt
Ready when you are.
Nice work—you practiced summary.
Synonyms
Words like Summary
overviewClose for a broad, brief account of the main parts.
recapClose for a short review of what happened or was discussed, often in informal use.
synopsisClose for a concise outline of a book, film, argument, or other work.
outlineClose when summary presents the main points without full development.
briefClose as a noun or adjective when the focus is compact presentation, though brief has additional meanings.
Antonym review
Does Summary have an opposite?
Summary has no single direct opposite across its noun and adjective uses. Full account, expansion, and detailed treatment are useful contextual contrasts, not universal antonyms.
Synonym practice
Want to practice summary synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The intern provided a concise summary before the meeting began," then compare close word choices. Practice summary synonyms.
Word family
Summary word family
Base word
summary
noun
summaries
More than one summary; the final y changes to ies.
verb
summarize
To state the main ideas or facts briefly.
verb
summarized
Stated the main points briefly in the past.
verb
summarizing
Stating the main points briefly.
adverb
summarily
Quickly and without the usual full process, especially in formal use.
Related words
Explore related words
Student support
Understand Summary
Hint for students
Find the main idea, key events or facts, and outcome; leave out most examples and minor detail.
Common mix-up
Summary and summery sound alike but have different meanings and spellings. A summary condenses main points; summery describes something suited to or like summer. A summary should not add unsupported opinions or new events.
Try it in class or at home
Give students a six-sentence passage. Ask them to cross out repeated or minor details, circle the main idea and two key points, then write a one-sentence summary.
Teacher prompt
Compare a summary with a full retelling of the same chapter. Which information must stay, and which details can be omitted?
Word Wheel
Practice with the School Words Wheel
This word is part of WordHive's researched School Words collection. Spin the complete wheel to review meanings, discuss classroom connections, and practice using school vocabulary in sentences.
Learning activities
Practice Summary and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice SUMMARY” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
Practice SUMMARY
Sentence Builder
Write your own sentence with this word and revise with checklist feedback.
Write a sentence with SUMMARY
Explore · Spelling
Spell Hive
Hear the word, type the spelling, and use spoken clues when needed.
Practice spelling
Explore · Definitions
Define the Word Hive
Choose the meaning that fits and get instant feedback.
Practice definitions
Explore · Matching
Vocabulary Match
Pair words with meanings and review misses with dictionary links.
Match meanings
Explore · Context
Context Clue Challenge
Use sentence clues to choose the word that fits the meaning.
Use context clues
Practice SUMMARY
Synonym Search
Compare meanings in a question that includes SUMMARY.
Practice SUMMARY
Explore · Scramble
Scrambled Bees
Rebuild words from mixed-up letters for spelling practice.
Rebuild words