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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Brief: Definitions, Common Uses & Examples (3 meaning)

Meaning 1：lasting a short time (brief)

brief 🔊

/briːf/

adj./n./vt.

Lasting for only a short period of time; not long.

Brief meaning illustrated by a person checking watch during a short phone call

lasting a short time 🔊

➕

/ˈlæstɪŋ ə ʃɔːrt taɪm/

adj./n./vt.

This describes something that has a very limited duration and is not long-lasting.

📁 Category：Time & Dates 🔖 Level：初级

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'brevis', meaning short or concise.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of a 'brief' as something BRIefly Explain Important Facts.

📖 Example

The teacher made a brief announcement at the end of class, reminding everyone about the homework. 🔊 The teacher made a short announcement at the end of class, reminding everyone about the homework.

🔗 Collocations

brief moment – a very short period of time

brief visit – a short stay at a place

brief summary – a concise overview of main points

🔄 Synonyms

short (adj.) – lasting for a small amount of time

fleeting (adj.) – passing quickly; lasting a very short time

concise (adj.) – giving a lot of information clearly and in a few words

🚫 Antonyms

long (adj.) – lasting for a great amount of time

lengthy (adj.) – of unusually long duration or extent

extended (adj.) – made longer; prolonged

🌱 Derivatives

briefly (adv.) – for a short time; in a concise manner

brevity (n.) – concise and exact use of words; shortness of time

📖 Cultural Story

Originating from the Latin 'brevis', meaning short. It entered English in the 12th century via Old French 'brief'. The noun sense, especially the legal 'brief', comes directly from medieval Latin 'brevis', a summary or letter.

Meaning 2：instructions for a task (brief)

brief 🔊

/briːf/

adj./n./vt.

A set of instructions or essential information given to someone before they start a task or project.

A business brief being handed over in a professional office meeting setting

instructions for a task 🔊

➕

/ɪnˈstrʌkʃənz fɔːr ə tæsk/

adj./n./vt.

A document or set of verbal instructions that outlines essential information, objectives, and requirements for a specific task or project.

📁 Category：Social Economy 🔖 Level：中级

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

Before starting the design project, the manager gave us a detailed brief about the client's preferences and budget. 🔊 Before starting the design project, the manager gave us detailed instructions about the client's preferences and budget.

🔗 Collocations

design brief – instructions for a creative project

legal brief – a document submitted to a court arguing a case

project brief – a summary of a project's goals and scope

🔄 Synonyms

instructions (n.) – detailed information on how something should be done

outline (n.) – a general description or plan showing essential features

specifications (n.) – detailed descriptions of requirements or dimensions

Meaning 3：to give essential information (brief)

brief 🔊

/briːf/

adj./n./vt.

To give someone the necessary information, especially in a quick and concise way to prepare them.

Team leader briefing colleagues with key points on a whiteboard

to give essential information 🔊

➕

/tuː ɡɪv ˈɛsənʃəl ˌɪnfərˈmeɪʃən/

adj./n./vt.

To provide someone with necessary information, facts, or instructions in a concise and efficient manner to prepare them for an event or task.

📁 Category：Communication 🔖 Level：中级

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

The coach will brief the team on the new strategy before the championship game tomorrow. 🔊 The coach will give the team the essential information about the new strategy before the championship game tomorrow.

🔗 Collocations

brief someone on something – to inform someone about a specific topic

brief a reporter – to give a journalist background information

be fully briefed – to have received all necessary information

🔄 Synonyms

inform (vt.) – to give facts or information to someone

instruct (vt.) – to tell or order someone to do something

update (vt.) – to give someone the most recent information

🚫 Antonyms

mislead (vt.) – to cause someone to have a wrong idea or impression

🌱 Derivatives

briefing (n.) – a meeting for giving information or instructions

debrief (vt.) – to question someone to obtain information after a mission