Brief Meaning
Brief Definition & Usage
Describing something that lasts for a short period or involves little detail.
Examples
- "She gave a brief explanation of the project."
- "The meeting was brief but informative."
- "His speech was so brief that most of the audience barely noticed he had started."
- "I had a brief conversation with her before the event began."
- "We enjoyed a brief stay in Paris before heading to Rome."
To provide a concise summary of information or events.
Examples
- "Can you brief me on the current situation?"
- "He briefed the team before the presentation."
- "The manager asked her to brief him on the progress of the project."
- "She was asked to brief the client about the new developments."
- "I will brief you tomorrow on the key points of the meeting."
A concise report or summary of key information.
Examples
- "The report provided a brief of the company's financial status."
- "He handed me a brief before the meeting started."
- "She wrote a brief outlining the main issues discussed during the conference."
- "I received a brief from my colleague regarding the upcoming project."
- "The lawyer prepared a brief for the trial."
Cultural Context
The word 'brief' comes from the Latin 'brevis', meaning short or concise. It has been adopted widely in English to indicate brevity in both time and content. It appears frequently in legal, military, and business contexts, where efficiency is valued.
The Brief Encounter
Story
The Brief Encounter
It was the busiest day of the year at the downtown office. Sarah, an experienced project manager, was preparing for her final pitch of the day. Her task was simple: deliver a brief yet impactful presentation to potential investors. Her boss had been clear: 'Keep it brief, but don’t miss the key points.' Sarah knew the challenge ahead. Investors were busy, and their attention span was limited. She took a deep breath, gathered her notes, and glanced at the clock—it was almost time. As she entered the boardroom, Sarah was greeted by the investors. They looked at her expectantly. She smiled, adjusted her notes, and began. ‘Good afternoon, everyone. Let me give you a brief overview of our progress.’ Her voice was calm and measured, and she moved quickly through her slides. No fluff. Just facts. She could see the investors nodding, their interest piqued. Her message was clear and concise, covering the core of the business, the challenges they had overcome, and the opportunities ahead. It was exactly the type of brief they needed. Just as she was finishing, one of the investors raised an eyebrow. 'That was a great brief,' he said, 'but can you quickly brief us on the specifics of the next quarter?' Sarah paused for a moment. This was a different kind of brief—one that required her to give more detailed yet quick answers. She nodded and began summarizing the data in a way that was both succinct and informative. As she spoke, she realized that mastering brevity was an art form. It wasn't just about cutting words—it was about communicating the essence in the shortest time possible. The meeting ended, and as Sarah left the room, she couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. Her ability to deliver a brief and effective presentation had impressed the investors, and her team was ready to move forward with renewed enthusiasm. It was a reminder that sometimes less is more—especially when you're working with time-sensitive clients. Later that evening, Sarah reflected on her day. She had experienced several forms of 'brief.' From the brief meeting to the brief encounter with the investors, she had learned that being brief was not just a matter of cutting down on time. It was about delivering just the right amount of information at the right moment.
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