# briefed

/ˈbɹift/ (US) · /bɹˈiːft/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/briefed
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. to give information

verb · CEFR B2

to give someone all the facts and instructions they need for a task.

For teachers: to provide a concise yet comprehensive summary of facts or instructions to prepare someone for a specific task or mission.

- The manager briefed the team on the new safety rules before the project started.
- The intelligence officers briefed the cabinet on the developing situation at the border, ensuring every minister understood the potential risks of intervention.

Usage: Often used in the passive voice: 'to be briefed on something'.

### 2. informed

adjective · CEFR B2

having been given the necessary information or instructions.

For teachers: possessing the requisite information or instructions for a specific purpose; often used as a participial adjective.

- I cannot comment on the case until I have been fully briefed.
- The delegates arrived at the conference well briefed on the technical requirements of the proposed environmental treaty.

### 3. legal instruction

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal · Technical

to give a lawyer the facts of a case so they can represent someone.

For teachers: to instruct a barrister or legal counsel by providing them with a summary of the facts and evidence of a case.

- The family briefed a top lawyer to help them with the trial.
- The firm briefed a senior counsel to lead the defence, providing a massive volume of evidence regarding the patent infringement claim.

Usage: In British English, this specifically refers to a solicitor hiring a barrister.

## Examples

- The manager briefed the team on the new project.
- Before the trial began, the lead attorney briefed the witnesses on how to answer questions from the opposing counsel.
- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.