Word
synopsis
Phoneticssyn·op·sis, stress on the second syllable
US/sɪˈnɑpsɪs/
UK/sɪnˈɒpsɪs/
Definitions
01a summary of a work
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a short description of the main events or ideas in a book, film, or play.
n. a brief summary of the major points of a written work, film, or presentation, providing an overview of the plot or argument.
“Before buying the book, I read the synopsis on the back cover to see if I liked the story.”
“The screenwriter submitted a three-page synopsis to the studio, detailing the narrative arc and character development of the proposed series.”
02an overview of a field
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Academic · Formal
n. a book or article that gives a quick overview of a whole subject.
n. a reference work or survey providing a condensed overview of an entire field of study or body of knowledge.
“The professor provided a synopsis of modern physics for the new students.”
“This volume serves as a comprehensive synopsis of medieval history, condensing centuries of political change into a single accessible reference.”
Synonyms
03a prayer book
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Religion Technical · Formal
n. a special book of prayers used by people in some Christian churches.
n. a liturgical book containing prayers and services, specifically one intended for use by the laity in the Orthodox Church.
“He carried his leather-bound synopsis to the morning service.”
“The museum's collection includes a rare eighteenth-century synopsis, notable for its intricate woodcut illustrations of the liturgical calendar.”
Synonyms
Usage
The plural form is 'synopses', pronounced with a long 'ee' sound in the final syllable.
Pitfall
a synopses of the book
a synopsis of the book
Learners often confuse the singular 'synopsis' with the plural 'synopses' due to the irregular Greek-root ending.
Etymology
From Late Latin synopsis, itself from Ancient Greek σύνοψις (súnopsis), from σύν (sún, “with or whole”) + ὄψις (ópsis, “view”) meaning whole view.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/synopsis