ENGLISH
REFERENCE

synopsis

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //sɪˈnɑpsɪs// UK //sɪnˈɒpsɪs// syn·op·sis

n. a short summary of a story, book, or movie. It gives you the main points and the ending without all the small details.

n. a brief summary or general survey of something, typically providing a condensed outline of a narrative or argument. Often used in publishing and academic contexts to evaluate a work's structure.


SIMPLE

Please read the synopsis before watching the movie.

CONTEXTUAL

The author sent a three-page synopsis of her new novel to several literary agents.

COMPLEX

While the synopsis provides a clear overview of the plot's trajectory, it fails to capture the lyrical prose and thematic depth that define the complete work.

Synonyms
Origin

From Late Latin synopsis, itself from Ancient Greek σύνοψις (súnopsis), from σύν (sún, “with or whole”) + ὄψις (ópsis, “view”) meaning whole view.

Usage

The plural form is 'synopses', pronounced with a long 'ee' sound in the final syllable.

Pitfall

a synopses of the booka synopsis of the bookLearners often confuse the singular 'synopsis' with the plural 'synopses' due to the irregular Greek-root ending.

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