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

Step right this way for an in-depth explainer on how to clean and care for it, but here’s the gist: At least once a month, pull out a clean microfiber cloth, a food-grade mineral oil, and a food-safe board sealant that combines oil with a protective beeswax. —Alaina Chou, Bon Appétit, 17 Sep. 2024

That’s the gist of the provisional calendar Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana, or CNMI, released on Wednesday for the upcoming edition of Milan Fashion Week, running Sept. 17 to 23. —Sandra Salibian, WWD, 24 July 2024

Here was the gist of the pitch: LaVine could be gotten by simply matching the money he’s owed, getting the Bulls out from underneath a contract that’s likely going to last until 2027 and cost the team $138 million. —Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2024

Essentially, in every ad spot, the gist was to leave potential audiences yearning to know what happens next. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 30 Aug. 2024