brief
gb/bɹˈif/ us/bɹˈif/
A2
Engels
~ 1900
Betekenissen
0 betekenissen
adjective
A2
property
1
Short in time or length
Happening for only a short time.
Gebruikspatroon:
a brief [period/event/visit]
Veelgemaakte fout:
Learners sometimes confuse 'brief' with 'short' in contexts where 'short' refers to height or length, not time.
Synoniemen
short (A general term for limited duration; 'brief' often implies a concise or efficient shortness.)
Antoniemen
long (Indicates a much greater duration, the opposite of short in time.)
Woordcombinaties
brief moment
|brief visit
|brief meeting
|brief explanation
|brief conversation
Thema's
time
|communication
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Voorbeelden
- We had a brief conversation before the meeting started.
- Her visit was brief but enjoyable.
- There was a brief pause before he answered.
- The speech was surprisingly brief.
- I only stayed for a brief time.
Voorbeelden voor taalleerders
- I had a brief talk with my teacher.
- The class was brief today.
- We took a brief break.
- The movie was brief but fun.
adjective
B1
property
2
Concise in speech or writing
Using only a few words to give information.
Gebruikspatroon:
a brief [statement/remark/note]
Veelgemaakte fout:
Some learners confuse 'brief' with 'short' when talking about physical size rather than amount of words.
Synoniemen
concise ('Concise' is more formal and often used in professional or academic contexts.)
Antoniemen
wordy (Using too many words, the opposite of concise.)
Woordcombinaties
brief statement
|brief summary
|brief description
|brief note
Thema's
communication
|writing
|education
|core_vocabulary
Voorbeelden
- He gave a brief summary of the project.
- Please keep your remarks brief.
- Her email was polite but brief.
- The instructions were brief and clear.
Voorbeelden voor taalleerders
- He wrote a brief note to me.
- She gave a brief answer.
- The teacher gave us a brief summary.
- Please be brief when you speak.
Zelfstandig naamwoord
B2
entity
3
Short summary or instructions
A short set of facts or instructions about something.
Gebruikspatroon:
a brief on [topic]
Veelgemaakte fout:
Learners sometimes think 'brief' here means 'underwear' due to plural 'briefs'. Context is important.
Synoniemen
summary ('Summary' is more general; 'brief' can have legal or professional connotations.)
Antoniemen
full report (A complete and detailed account, opposite of a short summary.)
Woordcombinaties
legal brief
|design brief
|project brief
Thema's
business
|law
|communication
|work
Voorbeelden
- The lawyer prepared a brief for the case.
- We received a design brief from the client.
- He read the briefing notes before the meeting.
Voorbeelden voor taalleerders
- I read the project brief.
- The lawyer wrote a legal brief.
- Our boss gave us a short brief.
Werkwoord
B2
action
4
Give key facts quickly
To tell someone the main points or instructions quickly.
Gebruikspatroon:
to brief [someone] on [something]
Synoniemen
inform ('Inform' is more general; 'brief' implies giving only the essential points.)
Antoniemen
withhold information (To not give any information, opposite of briefing.)
Woordcombinaties
brief staff on procedures
|brief reporters on events
Thema's
business
|military
|daily life
|communication
|work
Voorbeelden
- The officer briefed the team on the mission.
- She was briefed about her new duties.
- They will brief the press later today.
Voorbeelden voor taalleerders
- The teacher briefed us on the trip rules.
- The guide briefed the group before we left.
- He will brief me on the plan.
Grammatica
Lemmavorm
brief
IPA
GB/bɹˈif/
US/bɹˈif/
Lettergrepen en klemtoon
brief (1 lettergreep)
Stress on 1st syllable (brief)
Woordvormen
Adjective
- Base: brief
- Comparative: briefer
- Superlative: briefest
Noun
- Base: brief
- Plural: briefs
Verb
- Base: brief
- 3rd Person Singular: briefs
- Present Participle: briefing
- Past: briefed
Woordfamilie
Uitdrukkingen
brief someone on something
1/bɹˈif sˈʌmwˌʌn ˈɔn sˈʌmθɪŋ/
fixed phrase
Give someone quick facts about something
To tell someone the main points about something quickly.
Voorbeelden
- The manager briefed us on the new policy.
- He will brief the team on tomorrow's schedule.
in brief
1/ˈɪn bɹˈif/
fixed phrase
Stated in few words
Used to say something in only a few words.
Voorbeelden
- In brief, the meeting was a success.
- The answer, in brief, is yes.
keep it brief
1/kˈip ˈɪt bɹˈif/
fixed phrase
Make something short and concise
To make something take little time or use few words.
Voorbeelden
- Please keep it brief so we can move on.
- I’ll keep it brief since you’re busy.