ENGLISH
REFERENCE

brief

adj. · v. · n.
US //ˈbɹif// UK //bɹˈiːf// brief
  1. 1 short duration (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    lasting for only a short time.

    of short duration; occurring or lasting for a limited period.

    Example

    The president made a brief appearance at the party before leaving for a meeting.

    Example

    The CEO offered a brief statement to the press, refusing to take questions regarding the ongoing merger negotiations.
  2. 2 concise language (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    using only a few words to explain something.

    concise or succinct in expression; using few words to convey a message.

    Example

    Please keep your emails brief so that I can read them quickly.

    Example

    The report was admirably brief, distilling complex financial data into three clear and actionable bullet points.
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  1. 3 to give information (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to give someone the specific information or instructions they need for a task.

    to instruct or inform someone thoroughly but concisely in preparation for a task or mission.

    Example

    The captain will brief the crew on the safety procedures before we depart.

    Example

    The intelligence officer spent the morning briefing the diplomatic team on the potential security risks of the upcoming summit.
  2. 4 instructions or task (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate British English

    a set of instructions or the specific job you are asked to do.

    a specific set of instructions or a defined area of responsibility given to a person or group.

    Example

    The architect's brief was to design a modern house that felt traditional.

    Example

    The committee's brief is to investigate the causes of the flood and suggest preventative measures for the future.
  3. 5 legal document (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Technical Law

    a written document that explains why one side should win a court case.

    a written legal argument presented to a court to persuade the judge of a particular position.

    Example

    The lawyer spent all night writing the legal brief for the trial.

    Example

    The appellate court requested a supplemental brief addressing the constitutional implications of the new legislation.
  4. 6 underwear (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    short, tight-fitting underwear.

    short, snug-fitting underpants without legs.

    Example

    He packed three pairs of cotton briefs for the weekend trip.

    Example

    The athlete preferred wearing performance briefs under his running shorts to prevent chafing during long-distance training sessions.

    Usage

    Usually used in the plural form.
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