ENGLISH
REFERENCE

briefed

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈbɹift// UK //bɹˈiːft// briefed

v. to give someone the specific information or instructions they need for a task. You do this before a meeting or a mission so everyone knows the plan.

v. to provide concise, essential information or instructions to someone in preparation for a task or mission. Often implies a formal or professional setting where specific objectives are outlined.


SIMPLE

The manager briefed the team on the new project.

CONTEXTUAL

Before the trial began, the lead attorney briefed the witnesses on how to answer questions from the opposing counsel.

COMPLEX

The intelligence officers were thoroughly briefed on the geopolitical situation before being deployed to the region to ensure they understood the nuances of the local conflict.

Synonyms
Usage

The verb is transitive and typically takes a direct object (the person being informed), often followed by 'on' or 'about' the subject matter.

Pitfall

He briefed to me the plan.He briefed me on the plan.Briefed is a transitive verb that takes the person as a direct object; it does not use the preposition 'to' before the person.

© 2026 English Reference