brief

  • (noun): A writ summoning one to answer to any action.
  • (noun): An answer to any action.
  • (noun): A memorandum of points of fact or of law for use in conducting a case.
  • (noun): (by extension) A position of interest or advocacy.
  • (noun): An attorney's legal argument in written form for submission to a court.
  • (noun): (English law) The material relevant to a case, delivered by a solicitor to the barrister who tries the case.
  • (noun): A short news story or report.
  • (noun): (usually in the plural) undershorts briefs.
  • (noun): A summary, précis or epitome; an abridgement or abstract.
  • (noun): A letter patent, from proper authority, authorizing a collection or charitable contribution of money in churches, for any public or private purpose.
  • (noun): (slang) A ticket of any type.
  • (verb): To summarize a recent development to some person with decision-making power.
  • (verb): To write a legal argument and submit it to a court.
  • (adjective): Of short duration; happening quickly.
  • (adjective): Concise; taking few words.
  • (adjective): Occupying a small distance, area or spatial extent; short.
  • (adjective): Rife; common; prevalent.
  • (adverb): Briefly.
  • (adverb): Soon; quickly.
  • We got a news brief.
  • I wear boxers under trousers but for sports I usually wear a brief.
  • The U.S. president was briefed on the military coup and its implications on African stability.
  • Her reign was brief but spectacular.
  • His speech of acceptance was brief but moving.