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

Just what Lee was thinking was drowned out by a TV mounted in the corner, blaring the news of the day, but the gist was clear. — Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026

That was the gist of my story (here) summing up the day, with quotes from Preller and others. — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Aug. 2026

That’s basically the gist of what actress Maria Sten and Neagley showrunners Nick Wootton and Nick Santora tell Entertainment Weekly while reflecting on the spinoff series centered on Sten’s fan-favorite character from the Reacher franchise. — Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 22 July 2026

Visitors can also get the gist from the informative placards on key pieces. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 July 2026