the gist

noun

: the general or basic meaning of something said or written : the main points

—usually + of

The gist of her argument was that the law was unfair.

I didn't read the whole article, but I got the gist of it.

Examples of the gist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There are four long chapters with extensive footnotes on the subject in this immense book, but here’s the gist. —Christian Wiman, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025

While local ordinances get more specific on types of roadways, the gist stays the same. —Lillian Metzmeier, Louisville Courier Journal, 8 Dec. 2025

Here's the gist: the generation-skipping transfer tax (yes, that's a thing) is typically the responsibility of the trust, not the beneficiary. —Steve Hruby, Cincinnati Enquirer, 8 Dec. 2025

Here’s the gist of the problem: Less than 1% of U.S. farmland is certified organic. —Kelly Damewood, Fortune, 25 Nov. 2025