26984 words

brief

17 definitions • 20 examples
1
lasting only a short time or containing few words:

Examples:

His acceptance speech was mercifully brief.
I had a brief look at her report before the meeting.
It'll only be a brief visit because we really don't have much time.
After a brief spell/stint in the army, he started working as a teacher.
The company issued a brief statement about yesterday's accident.
2
used to express how quickly time goes past:

Examples:

For a few brief weeks we were very happy.
3
(of clothes) very short:

Examples:

She was wearing a fairly brief skirt, as I recall.
4
to give someone detailed instructions or information:

Examples:

We had already been briefed about/on what the job would entail.
5
to make information about someone or something public, with the intention of criticizing/praising him, her, or it:

Examples:

6
If something is said in brief, it is said in a very short form, with very few details:

Examples:

"So you didn't enjoy the party much." "In brief, no."
7
a piece of underwear worn by men or women, covering the area between the waist and the tops of the legs:

Examples:

8
a set of instructions or information:

Examples:

[ + to infinitive ] It was my brief to make sure that the facts were set down accurately.
9
a document or set of documents containing the details about a court case
10
a lawyer who will speak for someone in a court of law :

Examples:

My brief advised me to plead guilty.
11
lasting only a short time or containing few words:

Examples:

Rory had a brief career as an actor.
12
to give someone instructions or information about what to do or say:

Examples:

He is briefing the account executives on the new airline accounts.
13
instructions that explain what someone's work or task is:

Examples:

His brief was to streamline the group's financial services operation.
give sb/prepare a brief We have prepared a brief for a full study by a consultant.
14
a document that shows the facts of a legal case that will be argued by a lawyer in a court:

Examples:

to prepare/file/submit a brief
15
to give someone information about something:

Examples:

Managers were touring the US to brief investors on last week's interim results.
16
to explain someone's work or task to them:

Examples:

It's my job to brief volunteers beforehand and explain what their responsibilities are.
17
to tell a lawyer the facts of a legal case that he or she will argue in court

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