Simple Definition of brief
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: lasting only a short period of time
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: using only a few words
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of clothing : covering less of the body than is usual
Examples of brief in a sentence
The meeting will be brief.
The essay is brief but thorough enough.
a few brief words of caution
Origin of brief
Middle English bref, breve, from Anglo-French bref, brief, from Latin brevis; akin to Old High German murg short, Greek brachys
First Known Use: 14th century
brief
Simple Definition of brief
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: a brief statement or report
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law : a document that states the facts a lawyer plans to use in a court case
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: instructions that explain what a person is supposed to do
Full Definition of brief
1 a : an official letter or mandate; especially : a papal letter less formal than a bull b : a specific instruction or responsibility <his brief was to strengthen the army>
2 [1brief]
a : a concise article b : synopsis, summary c : a concise statement of a client's case made out for the instruction of counsel in a trial at law
3 : an outline of an argument; especially : a formal outline especially in law that sets forth the main contentions with supporting statements or evidence
4 plural : short snug pants or underpants
: in a few words : briefly
Examples of brief in a sentence
Her brief is to manage the company's sales department.
<a one-page brief of the intelligence report>
Origin of brief
Middle English bref, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin brevis, from Late Latin, summary, from Latin brevis, adjective
First Known Use: 14th century
brief
Simple Definition of brief
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: to give information or instructions to (someone)
Full Definition of brief
transitive verb
1 : to make an abstract or abridgment of
2 a : to give final precise instructions to b : to coach thoroughly in advance c : to give essential information to
3 : to discuss (as a military operation) in a briefing <briefed the mission>
Examples of brief in a sentence
The captain briefed the crew on the new safety procedures.
The President has been briefed by his advisers.
15th Century
First Known Use of brief
15th century
BRIEF Defined for Kids
Definition of brief for Students
briefedbriefing
: to give information or instructions to <The captain briefed the crew on the plan.>
Law Dictionary
brief
Legal Definition of brief
1 : a concise statement of a client's case written for the instruction of an attorney usu. by a law clerk —called also memorandum
2 : a formal written presentation of an argument that sets forth the main points with supporting precedents and evidence
Additional Notes on brief
Briefs are filed either by a party or an amicus curiae with a court usu. regarding a specific motion (as for summary judgment) or point of law.
Origin of brief
Old French bref, brief letter, writ indicating legal proceedings, from Late Latin brevis, breve short document, summary, from Latin brevis, adjective, short
brief
Legal Definition of brief
: to write a brief concerning (a motion or question of law)
Learn More about brief
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "brief" Spanish Central: Translation of "brief" Nglish: Translation of "brief" for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of "brief" for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about "brief"
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