brief1 adjectivebrief2 nounbrief3 verb
briefbrief1 /briːf/ ●●● S2 W2 AWL adjective 
WORD ORIGINbrief1
Origin:
1200-1300 Old French, Latin brevisEXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- After a brief intermission, the performance continued.
- It was impossible to see everything during our brief visit to Paris.
- Let's keep the meeting as brief as possible.
- Police caught the man after a brief chase.
- The book begins with a brief outline of the history of modern China.
- The victim's parents read a brief statement to the press.
- There was a brief note with the flowers.
- We just have to write a very brief piece on what we did in the vacation.
- A Louisiana statute authorizing a brief period of silent meditation was also challenged by students.
- Blagg had tried a brief smile when Maxim flashed the torch on himself for identification, but didn't speak.
- The chapter concludes with a brief examination of decision process and behavioural models of industrial purchasing.
- The tale of Trescothick is briefer.
- There was a period of comparative stagnation in the nineties and a brief interruption following the financial panic in 1907.
- They assembled quickly to hear the brief set of orders that explained their respective tasks in the battle to come.
- This late summer would be brief enough, the warm unseasonable days of mellow sunshine couldn't last.
THESAURUStime
not long: · I lived in Tokyo for a short time.· Smokers have a shorter life expectancy than non-smokers.
especially written lasting only for a short time. Brief is more formal than short, and is used especially in written English: · The president will make a brief visit to Seattle today.· He coached Hingis for a brief period in the 1990s.
[only before noun] taking a short time to do something: · I had a quick look at the map.· He had a quick shower and then went out.
lasting only for a short time – used especially when someone wishes that a good situation had been able to last for longer: · short-lived success· The ceasefire was short-lived.· a short-lived romance· short-lived optimism about the economy
lasting only for an extremely short time – used especially when someone wishes that something had been able to last for longer: · a fleeting visit· a fleeting smile· She caught a fleeting glimpse of him.· a fleeting moment of happiness· a fleeting thought
lasting for a very short time – used especially about feelings or pauses: · There was a momentary pause in the conversation.· The momentary panic ended when he found his two-year-old son waiting happily outside the store.
[only before noun] lasting only for a short time – used especially when people are only interested in something or mention something for a short time: · passing fashions· He made only a passing reference to war.· It’s just a passing phase (=it will end soon).
formal lasting only for a short time, and ending quickly like everything else in this world: · Beauty is ephemeral.· the ephemeral nature of our existence· His wealth proved to be ephemeral.
taking only a short time to do something: · I took a quick look at the map.· Do I have time for a quick shower before we go out?
lasting only a short time: · You can do a short course in diving.· The meeting was shorter than I’d expected.
especially written lasting only a short time. Brief is more formal than short, and is used especially in written English: · The president made a brief visit to Buenos Aires.· a brief introduction to Piaget’s ideas· a brief pause in the rain
especially written happening in a short period of time – used about changes, increases, improvements etc: · a rapid increase in crime· the rapid rate of industrial development
happening or done as quickly as possible, especially so that you get the result that you want: · Best wishes for a speedy recovery.· The restoration work has been making speedy progress.
done very soon after something else: · Thank you for your prompt reply.· the prompt action of the firefighters· Discounts will be offered for prompt payment.
deciding or doing something very quickly, especially when this has bad results: · It was a hasty decision, which he later regretted.· They had to make a hasty departure.
formal looking at something very quickly without much attention to detail: · Even a cursory glance at these figures shows that there is a problem.· The police conducted a cursory search of the property.
Longman Language Activatorcontinuing for only a short time continuing for only a short time: · The meeting was shorter than I'd expected.· the shortest day of the year· a short course in aromatherapy· It would have been better if they'd closed the road for a short period of time while the repairs were done.
a quick action takes only a very short time, because you are in a hurry: · I took a quick look at the map.· Do I have time for a quick shower before we go out?· She's going to give me a quick lesson on Feng Shui this afternoon. · Can I ask just one quick question?
a brief pause, visit etc is short, especially because there is not much time available: · It was impossible to see everything during our brief visit to Paris.· After a brief intermission, the performance continued.
if something does not take long , you do it and finish it in a short time: · Let me show you how to use the program -- it won't take long.not take long to do: · We'll have the chicken drumsticks - they won't take long to thaw.it doesn't take (somebody) long to do something: · It didn't take long to solve the problem.· It sure didn't take you long to smell the food!
something that is temporary is expected to continue for only a short time and will not be permanent: · The doctor says the swelling is just temporary and should go down in a few days.· a temporary driver's license· They're living in temporary accommodation at the moment.temporary workers/staff/job etc: · Demand for temporary workers continues to rise.· Ben's found a temporary job until November.
something that is short-lived ends sooner than you want it to - use this especially about a feeling or relationship: · They had a passionate but short-lived affair. · We were glad to be home, but our happiness was short-lived.· However, the President's popularity may prove to be short-lived.
: passing thought/interest/fashion/phase etc one that continues for a short time and then quickly disappears: · At the time, I didn't give Alison so much as a passing thought -- I had other things on my mind.· Most people take only a passing interest in their horoscope.· Whether this is just a passing fad or a lasting fashion trend, only time will tell.
formal continuing for only a short time - used especially in literature: · No dictionary can really capture something as fleeting and ephemeral as slang. · Hopes of political unity in the region have proved ephemeral.
when something you say or write is short a short piece of writing or speech does not have many pages or words: · Graham made a short speech of thanks after the ceremony.· a book of short stories· The chapters are really short, so I read a couple every night.· We had a short pep talk from the coach before the game.· Please write a short paragraph explaining your reasons for applying to this college.
a brief note, description, remark etc uses very few words and gives very few details: · The book begins with a brief outline of the history of modern China.· We just have to write a very brief piece on what we did in the vacation.· There was a brief note with the flowers.
short and clear, and with no unnecessary words: · Saussure expressed his arguments in a concise and logical way.· Sergeant Hanks gave us concise, sensible instructions.clear and concise: · Make sure that your answers are as clear and concise as possible.
formal expressing something well but with very few words: · The new labelling is more succinct and advises consumers simply that oat bran may help prevent heart disease.
to say or write something using as few words as possible to say something using as few words as possible, because you do not have much time: · Lieutenant, I'll be brief and I'll be candid -- when do you plan to leave?· I'm sure you're all very busy, so I'll be brief.· I'll be as brief as possible so as not to waste your time.
informal to say or write something using as few words as possible: · I'll keep it short as I don't have much time.· Tell me, but keep it short, I'm in the middle of something.keep it short and sweet/short and simple: · Mr Chairman, I think I've got five minutes, so I'll keep it fairly short and sweet.
a short time a very short time: · Can I show you something? It'll only take a minute.· Luke thought for a moment and then said: "Would you like to come too?"· Can you turn that off a minute (=for a minute) ?in a minute/moment: · Yes, I'm coming in a moment.a minute/moment ago: · Helen was here a minute ago. You've just missed her.for a minute/moment: · If you'd been quiet for a minute, I'd explain what happened.
also a sec informal spoken a very short time - use this especially when asking someone to wait for a short time: · Just a second - I think it's on the desk upstairs.for a second/sec: · For a second there, I forgot what it was called.in a second/sec: · Hang on, I'll be with you in a sec.
a short time: · "How long will it take?" "Oh, not long - just a couple of hours."· I saw her not long ago.not long before/after: · His book was published not long after he died.· It wasn't long before Gemma lost all interest in the new puppy. not long to go (=used to say that something will happen in a short time): · "When's the baby due?" "Three weeks, so there's not long to go."won't be long (=use this to say that someone or something will come or return soon): · I'm popping to the shop, I won't be long.· Supper won't be long.
especially British, spoken a short time: · Wait a bit, I've nearly finished.· I sat down, and after a bit, the phone rang.· Do you mind looking after the kids for a bit while I go out?
a short period of time, during or after which something happens: · Bob's only worked here for a short while, about six months I think.· It always takes a little while to get used to the climate.a little/short while ago: · He was on the telly a short while ago.
a short period of time during which a lot of things happen: in/within a short space of time: · It's amazing how much you can learn in such a short space of time.· In the brief space of time since the war ended, citizens have managed to rebuild over half the city.· She had gained an awful lot of journalistic experience within a short space of time.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRYnouns
They had a brief fling a few years ago. He started his own business last year, after a brief flirtation with political life. She had a brief flirtation with Tim. There was a slight hesitation in Jamie’s voice. There was a brief hiatus in the war. a brief respite from persecution One of his responsibilities is to keep a watching brief on foreign broadcasts.COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB
· He lived there all his life, apart from a brief period during the war.
(=time)· For a brief spell in early summer it is the most beautiful of all the trees.
· The old lady’s gaze rested on her for a brief moment.
· The president flew to Argentina for a brief visit.
· He gave her a brief look.
(=a sight of something that lasts for a short time)· From the train I had a brief glimpse of the city.
· There was a brief pause before he replied.
· After a brief silence, she made another suggestion.
· He made a brief appearance before reporters outside his Manhattan townhouse.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES· Everything seemed to have changed during his brief absence.
· The class were asked to write a brief account of their holidays.
· Let’s start with a brief analysis of the situation.
· He became acting president in a brief ceremony yesterday.
formal:· My manager said he wanted to have a brief chat with me.
· I just want to make a very brief comment.
· There's only a brief description of the hotel on the Internet.
(=quick, and not very detailed)· In chapter one, there is a brief examination of the economic situation in the country at the time.
(=a short conversation)· There followed a brief exchange between Mitti and Helga in German.
· The band had rather a brief existence.· The show's existence was extremely short.
(=being famous for a short time)· Ed achieved brief fame as a pop singer in the late 1980s.
They had a brief fling a few years ago. He started his own business last year, after a brief flirtation with political life. She had a brief flirtation with Tim.· I had little time for more than a quick glance around the house.
(=a very short look) We only had a fleeting glimpse of the river.
We only had a fleeting glimpse of the river. There was a slight hesitation in Jamie’s voice. There was a brief hiatus in the war.· Dillon makes only a brief mention of the idea in his book.
· She left a short message on his answering machine.
· For a brief moment, he looked directly at her.
· I like to have a brief nap in the afternoon.
(=short and not detailed)· He jotted down some brief notes.
· Each chapter begins with a brief outline of the topics covered in the chapter.
· It is useful to give a brief overview of the research done so far.
· "Well, that was a surprise," he said after a brief pause.
· He lived for a short period in Manchester.
· Brief references to the tragedy have appeared in the French press.
a brief respite from persecution· After a brief silence, Katherine nodded.
· The chairman opened the meeting with a brief speech.
· After a brief spell in a florist's shop, she became a hairdresser.
· Police last night issued a brief statement about the incident.
· No visa is required for short stays.
· Miss Russell was only able to pay a brief visit.
One of his responsibilities is to keep a watching brief on foreign broadcasts.· He had undressed but wore only brief sleeping shorts.· As it is, most parents take only brief peeks into classrooms and hear snatches of information about curriculum.· That summer at Aix was not only brief but troubled.· There are no more six-page effusions-only brief notes, and those evasive.· No applause interrupted the speech, and only brief, half-hearted, clapping was heard at the end.· Of necessity, the foregoing provides only brief details about the range of ground equipment available.
· Indeed, the relatively brief history of information technology has already demonstrated the dangers of even short-term forecasting.· And increasingly, the relatively brief preoccupation with methodology was seen to have run its course in economics.· The proposals were relatively brief and only suggestive of how future work might proceed.· They come into existence after relatively brief periods of rapid change in a small sub-population of a pre-existing species.· If those who are called before that time are relatively brief, it may not be necessary to impose the limit.· Keep sessions relatively brief - around forty-five minutes.· Pregnancy, however, is a relatively brief and dramatic bodily change, succeeded by reversion to something like the former state.
· It was so brief, so out of expectation, that it almost didn't register.· But the episode had been so brief, so unreal.· Most of the journeys made by honey bees or Cataglyphis are so brief that its movement is not of great significance.· The story is dreamy, mesmerizing and so brief you can read it in a sitting.· I am sorry my reply is so brief, but having just cut my thumb I am unable to continue writing.· Frustrating or what - it had been so faint and so brief.· A main reason for this is that by comparison its history is so brief.· The kiss was so brief, and he was so surprised, that he had no chance to respond.
· Here, though, is a very brief account of what has been done to date and what was found.· In his very brief opportunity as the fisherman, Ruodi, Anthony Dean Griffey unveiled an exquisite lyric tenor.· Some guides are indeed very brief, suggesting visits at breakneck speed where only a few items or rooms will be seen.· Develop a very brief abstract to be no longer than one single page describing the project.· The film is about only a very brief sojourn in Gauguin's otherwise racy biography.· In a very brief time I was back in our new position and not thinking of pocket-knives.· I am therefore a man of few words and I have been very brief throughout my professional career.· It is of some interest to note that the press carried very brief notices that Herrera had relinquished the presidency.
NOUN· Here, though, is a very brief account of what has been done to date and what was found.· The brief accounts in the narrative sources say nothing about Charles.· Give a brief account of the main services provided by major banks. 8.· There is room here to give only the briefest account of the different kinds of vertebrates.· Duroc gave a brief account of his doings in Paris, and of his important visit to Berlin.· The above brief account throws into sharp relief the essential differences between the Keynesian and classical theories of labour market adjustment.· Bearing in mind what you know about them now, write a brief account of your first meeting.· There was a brief account of professional intervention to date.
· Even then, they would only put in a brief appearance in puddings and cakes at Thanksgiving and Christmas.· Jackson and Medina made a brief appearance before a federal magistrate Tuesday on the extortion charge.· And I catch the roots of my Enoch Dream: his grinning mug makes a brief appearance on-screen as an Inspiral slide.· The brief appearance of what may seem like an inconsequential maidservant may end up being the turning event of the story.· It's always fun when Test cricket takes off its fine clothes and makes a brief appearance in ragged jeans and T-shirts.· Tracy Chapman, for example, certainly owes her fame and a lot of her money to her brief appearance at it.· There was something overwhelmingly assured about this brief appearance.· The Director had put in only one brief appearance in the library.
· This chapter ends with some brief comments on the nature of knowledge - scientific and mystic.· Although most readers of this book are probably only too well aware of these rates, a brief comment is none the less appropriate.· Franks made his preliminary examination of the body, dictating brief comments to his secretary.· The following brief comments constitute an introduction to legal research.· Although the order does not propose any great innovations, it is worth making some brief comments on its background.· At the meeting, Rice made a few brief comments about how he looked forward to working with the group.· Liberalization and Cities: Conclusions Three brief comments might usefully be made here.· A few examples of bibliographies are noted below, with brief comments on their type and function: 1.
· And Martin gives a brief description of the type of terrain and gradients that blistered feet will meet.· This disease although now a rarity, does warrant a brief description.· This completes our brief description of the orchestral brass.· This is a brief description of single case research and an explanation as to how to carry out such a monitoring project.· A brief description of our forecasting model follows.· It should be clear from this brief description that these issues are inherently geographical.· Rota reads the laws, finds out what reports are demanded, and writes a brief description for his book.
· This will involve a brief discussion of the approach known in contemporary philosophy as functionalism.· A brief discussion of how to control the page layout and how to avoid widow and orphan line is provided below.· One nice inclusion is a brief discussion of centrifugal methods in the separations chapter.· A brief discussion of the most popular herbs in game cooking is in order.· It is these eddies that relate particularly to the brief discussion above of the correlation measurements in Fig. 21.9.· Holder says he does not recall the brief discussion.· Followed by a brief discussion of how to make all our small pieces of action research available to each other.· We begin with a brief discussion of the methodological issues underlying these two modes of analysis.
· Shadowy shapes changed position, flying noiselessly, giving brief glimpses.· How could I not resent some stupid clouds robbing me of my one, brief glimpse of eternity?· But even in that brief glimpse, Müller was certain that he was deceiving her.· There may be only brief glimpses of the rabbit and it must be shot quickly and accurately or the opportunity is lost.· Just a brief glimpse ofa white coat then all is done from behind.· The brief glimpse of family lives during the Easter holidays at Dinard had shrivelled into a dream.· He managed to catch a brief glimpse of him talking to a man at the end of the platform.· They caught a brief glimpse of the struggling figures on the practice grounds, the clash of their weapons on the wind.
· Their brief histories are shown in Appendix 7.· A brief history of Reinberto Lopez AlaIa suggests that it is not a question with a simple answer.· Indeed, the relatively brief history of information technology has already demonstrated the dangers of even short-term forecasting.· A brief history prepared by the Education Coalition, a lobbying group, says California began statewide testing in 1962.· Unlike the previous two, this film attempts to convey the nature of the fighting within a brief history of the war.· Write a brief history of your life as a reader up to the age of 11.· We start next week with a brief history of telecommunications on the personal computer.
· After this brief introduction the head, who was chairing the meeting, asked staff for comments and questions.· For each total synthesis a brief introduction is given, outlining the biological activity and other syntheses of the target compound.· Each chapter begins with a brief introduction, and ends with a comprehensive list of references - typically in the hundreds.· This section has provided a brief introduction to the question of the relationship between sociology and values.· This brochure is only intended as a very brief introduction to Carmarthen Bay & Teifi Valley.
· Larger animals which are not subject to the whims of wind and current may flash by or come closer for a brief look.· Understanding these latter effects requires a brief look at the brain circuits of bliss.· He leaned forward and slipped a hand into Nicola's jacket pockets, then gave her a brief look of apology.· Following a brief look at inventory investment, the chapter concludes by assessing the role of investment in economic growth.· After I left Sequoia, I visited Yosemite for a brief look around.· First, let us take a brief look at Frege's theory of concepts.· The discussion concluded with a brief look at the structure of the Farnham Castle courses.
· The treatment of acute retention of urine occurring in a primary herpetic attack in the female deserves a brief mention.· Work on automatic classification should not be overlooked, although a brief mention only is permitted.· Second, brief mention should be made of the law relating to adultery.· Two other political phenomena deserve brief mention in this context.· Her brief mention of Timmy had shown him that this was the stumbling block.· Nevertheless, one aspect of the AD-AS approach deserves brief mention.· Besides muderrises and kadis, one other group within the learned profession deserves brief mention, namely the muftis.· In this final section, brief mention will be made of that particularly complex policy area, urban finance.
· He floundered in panic as, for a brief moment, he could not remember why he was there.· In that one brief moment he knew that he was in trouble.· Life is great and, for a brief moment, the view is spectacular even awesome.· For one brief moment, women thought they saw hope.· For a brief moment in the late 1980s and early 1990s ecstasy broke this mould.· For a brief moment love triumphs over all, but reality soon sets in.· Just that one brief moment of madness ... Then the bitter tears of self-reproach.· Has he traded notoriety and this brief moment for his lifelong dream?
· This brief note can not do justice to all the facts and arguments involved.· Occasionally Miller jotted down a few brief notes.· The following brief notes are indications as to how one might use drama both to stimulate and support work in specific curriculum areas.· There are no more six-page effusions-only brief notes, and those evasive.· During the presentation, listen carefully and take brief notes. 4.· It had come out of the blue: a brief note from her, saying that she had to undergo a surgical operation.· There were some brief notes to Rose - from Sheffield, Newcastle and other Northern towns.
· You may feel, on consideration, that a brief outline would serve your purposes better.· Such, in brief outline, was the Combined Fleet plan for the Midway operation.· Only a brief outline of the main points which currently affect business executives can be given here.· A brief outline will illustrate how the reforms benefit the average eater.· Details of this are described at appropriate stages in this book, so here a brief outline will suffice.· Only a brief outline of the structure will be presented.· What follows is therefore only a brief outline, with a closer examination of certain areas.· This guide is intended to provide a brief outline of resources and services.
· Just a few words, but there was a nod of understanding, the briefest pause, before the two men stood.· There was a brief pause, then the caller tried again.· Balvinder Singh dropped me outside during a brief pause in the rain.· The brief pause while he slipped off his clothing was like agony; then he was next to her, hard and demanding.· At last, when there was a brief pause, Woodruffe cleared his throat.
· This letter detector remains active for some brief period of time, until the pattern mask is presented.· A Louisiana statute authorizing a brief period of silent meditation was also challenged by students.· The Moon experienced only a brief period of intense internal activity early in its history.· For a brief period in the province's history, its affairs became entwined in the broader struggles for the monarchy.· The seizure usually lasts about 1 minute and is typically followed by a brief period of confusion.· These mains spikes sometime consist of surges of thousands of volts, albeit for very brief periods.· The briefest period a monk remained there was one to three months, the longest nine years.
· Nearby, the remainder of the squadron was stirring after a brief respite in a busy twenty-four period.· Follow this to a brief respite and winding shed.· The brief respite before the pests could fight back reflects the wait for a mutation.· There have only been brief respites.· However, after a brief respite at Ossett everyone agreed to continue.· Then he, too, requires a brief respite from corporeal entombment.
· A brief review of events in division four!· To start with, let's have a brief review of major and minor scale harmony.· A brief review of the structure of sierra society will illustrate this point.· This very brief review of about ten conservation programmes can not make the case that all national policies fail.· My brief review of personal care given by relatives has stressed the theme of variation, especially by gender.· A brief review of existing work in library user instruction evaluation was then given and related to the parameters previously described.· Finally, we will conclude with a brief review of freemasonry today.
· I had to wait for a brief silence between cuts to pound on the doorframe.· There was a brief silence like an indrawn breath.
· The Rumanian talent was world number one for a brief spell in the same year.· It was just a brief spell of ownership; the war meant petrol rationing.· I should know by now that heavy drinkers are awfully fond of high-flown rationalisations for any brief spell of abstinence.· His bedside locker held the conglomerate of offerings, necessities and minor diversions considered indispensable to a brief spell in hospital.· After a brief spell in the newly created Ministry of Labour he returned to the Home Office in 1919.· Then, in 1979, he had a brief spell as manager of non-league Oxford City.
· The columns are headed by brief statements of key activities in that stage of the project, laid out in logical order.· He issued a brief statement late Monday noting that he had discussed the matter with Rep.· I conclude this paper with a brief statement about thematic work.· These and all other consultants should be listed by name, title and a brief statement of relevant experience.· He failed to do so in his brief statement from the Dispatch Box.· Aronoff, who asked to be arraigned today, appeared before the media for just minutes Thursday to read a brief statement.· Chapter 2 makes brief statements about value bias, too many variables not enough countries, and equivalence.· He made a brief statement, then he tried to leave.
· These objectives and a brief summary of the main tasks are given below.· But in this brief summary we have to choose; and we choose the testimony of the novel for two reasons.· This may be a brief summary of reasons or a full decision dictated by the chairman.· A brief summary is in order for those of you not inclined to keep track of shenanigans and other assorted tomfoolery.· Each one of perhaps a group of four should prepare a brief summary of an article of general interest.· Coleman also gave brief summaries of how each supervisor has done with regard to youth issues.· A brief summary of the rights of each class of shares should be given.
· This concludes our brief survey of equilibrium concepts and the models in which they are embedded.· Even in such a brief survey of this notion of contradiction two things become clear.· But a brief survey may establish points of comparison and contrast.· We proceed, therefore, to a brief survey of the relevant aspects of resonator theory { 24,34 }.· The other sites included in the very brief survey are on roads in the south-east.· The following list provides a brief survey of some of the schools that have become major styles in their own right.· It will begin with a brief survey of the corporate economy.
· They have had to adapt to high temperatures, shortage of water and a very brief time in which to reproduce.· The rooms them-selves were good, the furniture would do for the brief time they would he here.· The brief time taken for this re-polarisation is the refractory period.· In a shockingly brief time, they managed to produce a working computer that ran Smalltalk, sort of an interim Dynabook.· The experience is unsettling, as if voyeuristic, and also uncanny, like a brief time travel, and absurdly pleasing.· By the nineties, he was for a brief time the most celebrated scientist in the world.· She was unusually alert, for her health had deteriorated in the brief time since the upset of Theda's near-dismissal.· For a brief time she was a welfare recipient.
· And Miss Russell was only able to pay a brief visit.· Gandhi exclaimed at a meeting in Madras, on October 26, 1896, during a brief visit to his native land.· On that first brief visit I made up my mind that one day I would return there.· But fortunately at that moment her gynaecologist called in for a brief visit and Brian went off to the nursery.· She left the schoolroom and, after a brief visit to her sister, drove away.· Promotion for Mr Wilson followed and after a brief visit to Naples to tie up affairs he returned to London.
· Sometimes she says brief words to the other athletes or the crowd and unfortunately the video doesn't show it.· Then he took it with a brief word of thanks.· I managed to have a brief word with the rescued pilot as he was carried on a stretcher into the ambulance.· Let me give you a brief word picture of the average transvestite.· Here, in their own brief words, are the stories of just three of them.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY
- I'll be brief - a lot of changes are going to happen.
- I'll be as brief as possible so as not to waste your time.
- I'm sure you're all very busy, so I'll be brief.
- Lieutenant, I'll be brief and I'll be candid -- when do you plan to leave?
- Here are brief extracts from public Elgar performances caught on the wing.
- Senior members of Congress were briefed on the details of the arms deal.
- Sometimes the dates do not tally with known events, and often the entries are brief.
- The client should then be briefed.
- The dream is brief but perplexing.
- The moments of ecstasy were brief, the hours of remorse endless.
- Writing is not much given to elaborating events that are brief, sudden, and inexplicable.
- Your task is a series of missions, each more perilous than the last, and you are briefed on each beforehand.
WORD FAMILYadjectivebriefadverbbriefly
1continuing for a short time: We stopped by Alice’s house for a brief visit. Let’s keep this conversation brief; I have a plane to catch.a brief period/moment/spell etc Greene spent a brief time at Cambridge.► see thesaurus at short2using very few words or including few details: The president read a brief statement to reporters before boarding his plane. a brief description of the film3be brief to say or write something using only a few words, especially because there is little time: I’ll be brief; a lot of changes are going to happen.4clothes that are brief are short and cover only a small area of your body: a very brief bikiniCOLLOCATIONSnounsa brief period/time· He lived there all his life, apart from a brief period during the war.a brief spell (=time)· For a brief spell in early summer it is the most beautiful of all the trees.a brief moment· The old lady’s gaze rested on her for a brief moment.a brief visit· The president flew to Argentina for a brief visit.a brief look· He gave her a brief look.a brief glimpse (=a sight of something that lasts for a short time)· From the train I had a brief glimpse of the city.a brief pause· There was a brief pause before he replied.a brief silence· After a brief silence, she made another suggestion.a brief appearance· He made a brief appearance before reporters outside his Manhattan townhouse.brief1 adjectivebrief2 nounbrief3 verb
briefbrief2 ●○○ AWL noun [countable] EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- Dealing with financial matters is not part of my brief.
- I've prepared a brief on the economic situation in China.
- The brief given to the students was quite straightforward.
- The architect's brief was to design an extension which would harmonize as much as possible with the existing building.
- The committee's brief is to investigate and report on domestic violence in the region.
- The drug squad's briefing lasted twenty minutes.
- For all but the simplest actions there should preferably be a written brief which is discussed by all concerned.
- His brief was to convey coal as a developing rather than a senescent industry.
- The brief comprised a list of about 80 species for each chart, grouped according to pollution tolerance.
- Would a seasoned brief have lost it in court so easily?
THESAURUS
someone whose job is to advise people about laws, write formal agreements, or represent people in court: · His lawyer told him to plead guilty.
American English a lawyer. Attorney sounds more formal than lawyer: · ‘The United States sees intellectual property rights as sacred,’ said Thomas Klitgaard, an attorney specializing in international law.· Acting on the advice of his attorney, he remained silent throughout the questioning.
a type of lawyer in Britain who gives legal advice, prepares the documents when property is bought or sold, and defends people, especially in the lower courts of law: · She works as a commercial property solicitor at Nabarro Nathanson in London.· He went to the family solicitor to make a will.
a lawyer in Britain who can argue cases in the higher law courts: · McWalter's barrister, Hugh Vass, stressed his client’s previous good character.
formal a formal word for a lawyer in American English, or a barrister in Scotland: · The committee can put questions to the defendant or his advocate.
British English informal the lawyer who represents someone in a court case: · His brief asked for a fine rather than a prison sentence.
[uncountable] the lawyer or group of lawyers who are representing someone in court: · counsel for the defence/prosecution
Longman Language Activatorusing instinct rather than knowledge written or spoken information telling someone what to do or how something should be done: · I can't get the computer to work and I've lost the instructions.give/leave (somebody) instructions: · As the teacher, it's your job to give clear instructions to the children.instructions for: · Mum was going to work, so she left me some instructions for supper.· The President issued instructions for the continuance of the attack.follow/carry out (somebody's) instructions (=do what the instructions tell you): · I've followed the instructions, but the machine still isn't working.· Mr Evans claimed that the solicitor had failed to carry out his mother's instructions.read the instructions: · Before you take any medicine, always read the instructions on the bottle.instructions about/on: · It's extraordinary that the equipment doesn't come with instructions on how to use it.· His grandfather had left no instructions about what to do with his paintings.
a set of instructions, especially written ones, on how to do or use something: directions on: · For detailed directions on installing the software, see page 18.give (somebody) directions/give directions to somebody: · The judge has the power to give appropriate directions to the jury before they consider their verdict.follow directions: · These worksheets are designed to teach children how to solve problems and follow directions.
official instructions about the best way to do something, especially something that could be difficult or dangerous: · Lauder urged the company to develop a set of guidelines that address sexual harassment in the workplace.follow guidelines: · Air travelers can have stress-free trips if they follow a few simple guidelines.issue/publish/lay down etc guidelines: · Medical staff have been issued with new guidelines for working with HIV patients.· The Ministry of Education has laid down strict guidelines as to the administration of the tests.guidelines on: · New guidelines on how to move dangerous chemicals by road have just been published.
instructions that are given to someone about what their duties and responsibilities are in a job: · The brief given to the students was quite straightforward.somebody's brief is to do something: · The committee's brief is to investigate and report on domestic violence in the region.· The architect's brief was to design an extension which would harmonize as much as possible with the existing building.be part of somebody's brief: · Dealing with financial matters is not part of my brief.
instructions on how to make a particular kind of food: · This soup is really good - you must give me the recipe.recipe for: · I've found a really great recipe for barbecue sauce.have the recipe: · My Mum has the recipe for a really delicious prawn curry.
a book that contains detailed instructions on how to operate a piece of equipment or machinery, or on how to do a job or activity: · Before you try to use the camera, read the manual carefully.· a computer manualinstruction manual: · The instruction manuals that accompany new computer software are often difficult to understand.training manual: · a training manual for teachers manual on: · Leach has written many popular manuals on childcare.owner's manual/user's manual (=one which shows you how to use your car, piece of equipment etc): · Consult your owner's manual for information on what oil to use and how often it should be changed.
a book containing instructions and advice, that helps you do an activity or job properly, or to make the right choice about something: · This simple guide is essential if you are thinking of taking up hill walking.· the Good Schools Guideguide to (doing) something: · The book is an extremely useful guide to starting your own business.· a free guide to financial planningguide for: · A guide for hospital staff will be published shortly, covering everything from simple hygiene to security regulations.
a book containing information and advice on a subject or product, produced by someone who knows a lot about it: · There are all kinds of health and fitness handbooks on the market these days.· The students' handbook gives information on how to find accommodation.handbook for: · a useful handbook for managershandbook on: · a handbook on basic psychology
also recipe book British a book that has instructions about how to cook different kinds of food: · There are an increasing number of recipe books with ideas for healthy meals that can be prepared quickly and easily.· an Indian recipe bookcookbook of: · an illustrated cookbook of Mexican recipes
WORD SETSaccess, nounacquit, verbacquittal, nounactionable, adjectiveact of God, nounadjourn, verbadminister, verbadmissible, adjectiveADR, nounadversarial, adjectiveadvocate, nounaffidavit, nounage, nounaggrieved, adjectiveagreement, nounannual return, anti-dumping, adjectiveantitrust, adjectiveAppeal Court, nounappear, verbappellate court, nounarraign, verbarticled clerk, articles of association, nounassignee, nounassizes, nounattachment, nounattest, verbattorney, nounattorney-at-law, nounattorney general, nounaverage clause, bailable, adjectivebailee, nounbailiff, nounbailment, nounban, nounbarrister, nounbeneficial owner, beneficiary, nounbequeath, verbbequest, nounbest efforts, adjectivebid-rigging, nounbill, nounbill of rights, nounblue law, nounbody corporate, bond, nounbook, verbbox, nounbreakdown clause, break fee, brief, nounbroker's lien, burden of proof, nounbusiness entity, buyer's risk, bylaw, nouncabotage, nouncadastre, nouncase, nouncase law, nouncash shell, nouncause, nouncause célèbre, nouncause of action, nouncaution, nouncaution, verbcertificate of incorporation, nouncertificate of protest, nouncertificate of search, nounchain of title, nounchallenge, nounchallenge, verbchancery, nounChapter 7, nouncharge, nouncharge, verbcharges register, chief justice, nouncircuit court, nouncite, verbcitizen's arrest, nouncivil, adjectivecivil law, nounclaim, nounclaimant, nounclass action, nounclause, nounclean, adjectivecloud on title, nouncollusion, nouncommerce clause, committal, nouncommon law, nouncommunity property, nounCommunity Reinvestment Act, nouncommutation, nounCompanies House, nouncompanies registry, company limited by guarantee, nouncompany limited by shares, nouncompany officer, competence, nouncompetent, adjectivecomplainant, nouncompletion, nouncompletion date, compliance officer, compulsory purchase, nounconditional discharge, nouncondition precedent, nouncondition subsequent, nounconduct money, confidentiality clause, confirmation hearing, conflict of laws, nounconjugal, adjectiveconsensus ad idem, nounconsent decree, consenting adult, nounconservator, nounconstituted, adjectiveconstitution, nounconstitutional, adjectiveconstitutionality, nouncontempt, nouncontest, verbcontingency fee, contract of insurance, nouncontract of purchase, nouncontract of service, nouncontravene, verbcontravention, nouncontributory negligence, nounconvey, verbconveyance, nounconveyancing, nounconvict, verbconviction, nouncopyright, nounco-respondent, nouncosignatory, nouncounsel, nouncounty court, nouncourthouse, nouncourt-martial, nouncourt-martial, verbCourt of Appeal, nounCourt of Appeals, nouncourt of inquiry, nouncourt of law, nounCourt of Queen's Bench, nouncourt order, nouncourt reporter, nouncourtroom, nouncramdown, nouncriminal, adjectivecriminal injury, criminalize, verbcriminal law, nouncross-examine, verbCrown Court, nouncurfew, nouncustodial, adjectiveD.A., noundata protection, death sentence, noundeath warrant, noundeclaration of association, noundecree, noundecree absolute, noundecree nisi, noundecriminalize, verbdeed, noundeed of conveyance, noundefalcation, noundefend, verbdefendant, noundeficiency judgment, noundeficiency judgment, de jure, adjectivedeposition, noundeputy, nounderivative lease, desertion, noundiminished responsibility, noundiplomatic immunity, noundirectors register, disabled quota, disbar, verbdischarge of contract, noundisclaim, verbdisclaimer, noundiscretionary, adjectivedisinherit, verbdismiss, verbdispense, verbdisposition, noundispossess, verbdissent, noundissolution, noundistrain, verbdistrict attorney, noundistrict court, noundivorce, noundivorce, verbdivorced, adjectivedocket, noundonee, noundouble jeopardy, noundraftsman, noundrink-driving, noundrunk driving, noundue process, nounduress, nouneasement, nounedict, nouneffective, adjectiveeminent domain, nounempower, verbenabling, adjectiveenabling clause, enact, verbendowment, nounenforced, adjectiveenjoin, verbescape clause, escrow, nounescrow agent, estate, nounestoppel, nounevidence, nounexamination, nounexamination-in-chief, nounexamine, verbexculpate, verbexecute, verbexecutor, nounexecutrix, nounexhibit, nounexpectations, nounex post facto law, nounexpropriate, verbextradite, verbextrajudicial, adjectivefair dealing, false representation, nounfee absolute, nounfiduciary, nounfiduciary, adjectivefinding, nounfirm name, nounfixtures and fittings, nounforce majeure, nounforeman, nounforewoman, nounfreeholder, nounfree pardon, nounfrustration of contract, fugitive, nounfugitive, adjectivegagging order, gag order, noungarnishee, verbgarnishee, noungeneral counsel, noungeneral practice, noungive, verbgrand jury, noungrantee, noungrantor, noungreen paper, noungross misconduct, ground rent, nounguarantee, verbguarantor, nounguaranty, nounguillotine, verbguilt, noungun control, nounhabeas corpus, nounHague Rules, nounhear, verbhearing, nounheir, nounheir apparent, nounhereafter, adverbhereditament, nounhereinafter, adverbhereof, adverbhereto, adverbheritable, adjectiveHigh Court, nounHighway Code, nounhirer, nounhuman right, nounimplied term, inadmissible, adjectiveinalienable, adjectiveincriminate, verbindemnify, verbindemnity, nounindict, verbindictable, adjectiveindictment, nounindustrial tribunal, nouninitiative, nouninjunction, nounin loco parentis, adverbinnocence, nouninnocent, adjectiveinoperative, adjectiveinquest, nouninsanity, nouninstruct, verbintellectual property, nounintent, nouninterdict, nouninterlocutory injunction, invoke, verbJane Doe, nounjob quota, joint and several liability, JP, nounjudge, nounjudge, verbjudicial, adjectivejuridical, adjectivejurisdiction, nounjurisprudence, nounjurist, nounjuror, nounjury, nounjury box, nounjury service, nounjustice, nounJustice of the Peace, nounjustifiable homicide, nounjuvenile, adjectivekangaroo court, nounKing's Counsel, nounlaw firm, nounlawyer, nounlease, nounleasehold, adjectiveleaseholder, nounlegatee, nounlegator, nounlessee, nounlessor, nounletters of administration, nounliable, adjectivelicensee, nounlien, nounlienee, nounlienor, nounlimited liability, nounliquidated damages, litigant, nounlitigate, verblitigation, nounlitigator, nounlitigious, adjectiveliving will, nounloophole, nounmagisterial, adjectivemagistracy, nounmagistrate, nounMagistrates' Court, nounmaintenance, nounmajority, nounmalfeasance, nounmalpractice, nounmarriage certificate, nounmarriage licence, nounmarriage lines, nounmaterial, adjectivematerial fact, nounmemorandum, nounmiscarriage of justice, nounmisdirect, verbmisfeasance, nounmisstatement, nounmistrial, nounM'lord, nounM'lud, nounmoiety, nounmonies, nounmoot court, nounmoratorium, nounmovable, nounno-fault, adjectivenolo contendere, nounnonfeasance, nounnon-negotiable, adjectivenotary, nounnuisance, nounnullify, verbnullity, nounoath, nounopen-and-shut case, nounopen verdict, nounoperative mistake, nounordinance, nounoriginating application, originating summons, outlaw, nounout-of-court settlement, nounoyez, interjectionpalimony, nounpanel, nounparalegal, nounpardon, verbpardon, nounparty, nounpass, verbpassage, nounpatent, nounpatent, adjectivepaternity, nounpaternity suit, nounpatrimony, nounpenal code, nounpenalty, nounperformance contract, perjury, nounpersonal injury, personal representative, personalty, nounpetition, nounpetition, verbpetitioner, nounplaintiff, nounplanning permission, nounplea bargaining, nounpleadings, nounpledgee, nounpolice, verbpositive discrimination, nounpower of attorney, nounprecedent, nounprejudice, verbpreservation order, nounpresume, verbprice-fixing, nounprima facie, adjectiveprimary residence, prime tenant, primogeniture, nounprivate law, nounprivileged, adjectiveprivity, nounprobate, nounprobate, verbprobation, nounprobationer, nounprobation officer, nounpro bono, adjectiveprocedural, adjectiveproceeding, nounproceedings, nounprohibit, verbprohibition, nounprohibitive, adjectivepromulgate, verbpronounce, verbproposition, nounproscribe, verbprosecute, verbprosecution, nounprosecutor, nounprotective custody, nounprove, verbprovision, nounprovisional licence, nounproximate cause, nounpublic defender, nounpublic prosecutor, nounpublic service vehicle, punishable, adjectiveQC, nounquarter sessions, nounquash, verbQueen's Counsel, nounreal property, nounrecess, nounrecess, verbrecognition, nounrecognizance, nounrecorder, nounreeve, nounregulation, nounremand, verbremand, nounrepeal, verbrescind, verbrespondent, nounrestoration, nounrestore, verbretainer, nounretrial, nounretroactive, adjectiveretrospective, adjectiveretry, verbreversion, nounrevocation, nounrevoke, verbRex, nounright of appeal, nounroad tax, nounroot of title, royalty payment, rule, verbruling, nounsaid, adjectivesalami slicing, nounSarbanes-Oxley Act, nounscheme of arrangement, nounsentence, nounsentence, verbsequester, verbsession, nounsettlement date, settlement terms, shall, modal verbshell company, sheriff, nounsheriff court, nounshow trial, nounsitting tenant, nounsmall claims court, nounsolicitor, nounsolicitor general, nounSOX, nounspecial licence, nounspecific performance, speed limit, nounstakeholder, nounstate attorney, nounstate court, nounstated case, statute, nounstatute law, nounstatute of limitations, nounstatutory, adjectivestatutory report, stay, nounstay of execution, nounstipendiary magistrate, nounstoppage in transit, nounsub judice, adverbsubmission, nounsuborn, verbsubpoena, nounsubpoena, verbsue, verbsuit, nounsumming up, nounsumming-up, nounsummons, nounsummons, verbSupreme Court, nounsurety, nounsuspended sentence, nounswear, verbtechnicality, nountenant at sufferance, nountenant at will, nountenant for years, nountenant in common, nountenure, nountestament, nountestator, nountest case, nountest certificate, nountestify, verbtestimony, nounthereinafter, adverbthird party, nounthrough, prepositionticket, nounticket, verbtitle, nountitle deed, nountitle holder, nountort, nountradename, nounTrading Standards, treasure trove, nountrespass, verbtrespass, nountrial, nountrust for sale, nounultra vires, adjectiveunderwriting power, undue influence, noununlicensed, adjectiveuphold, verbverdict, nounvindicate, verbvisa, nounvoucher, nounward, nounwarrant, nounwhereas, conjunctionwill, nounwill, verbwinding up, nounwitness, nounwitness, verbwitness box, nounwrit, nounwrongful termination,
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES They had a brief fling a few years ago. He started his own business last year, after a brief flirtation with political life. She had a brief flirtation with Tim. There was a slight hesitation in Jamie’s voice. There was a brief hiatus in the war. a brief respite from persecution One of his responsibilities is to keep a watching brief on foreign broadcasts.COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE
· Everything seemed to have changed during his brief absence.
· The class were asked to write a brief account of their holidays.
· Let’s start with a brief analysis of the situation.
· He became acting president in a brief ceremony yesterday.
formal:· My manager said he wanted to have a brief chat with me.
· I just want to make a very brief comment.
· There's only a brief description of the hotel on the Internet.
(=quick, and not very detailed)· In chapter one, there is a brief examination of the economic situation in the country at the time.
(=a short conversation)· There followed a brief exchange between Mitti and Helga in German.
· The band had rather a brief existence.· The show's existence was extremely short.
(=being famous for a short time)· Ed achieved brief fame as a pop singer in the late 1980s.
They had a brief fling a few years ago. He started his own business last year, after a brief flirtation with political life. She had a brief flirtation with Tim.· I had little time for more than a quick glance around the house.
(=a very short look) We only had a fleeting glimpse of the river.
We only had a fleeting glimpse of the river. There was a slight hesitation in Jamie’s voice. There was a brief hiatus in the war.· Dillon makes only a brief mention of the idea in his book.
· She left a short message on his answering machine.
· For a brief moment, he looked directly at her.
· I like to have a brief nap in the afternoon.
(=short and not detailed)· He jotted down some brief notes.
· Each chapter begins with a brief outline of the topics covered in the chapter.
· It is useful to give a brief overview of the research done so far.
· "Well, that was a surprise," he said after a brief pause.
· He lived for a short period in Manchester.
· Brief references to the tragedy have appeared in the French press.
a brief respite from persecution· After a brief silence, Katherine nodded.
· The chairman opened the meeting with a brief speech.
· After a brief spell in a florist's shop, she became a hairdresser.
· Police last night issued a brief statement about the incident.
· No visa is required for short stays.
· Miss Russell was only able to pay a brief visit.
One of his responsibilities is to keep a watching brief on foreign broadcasts.· These previously undisclosed written statements were made public this week in legal briefs filed by prosecutors.
VERB· The unions would hire lawyers to file the briefs.· The rival candidates' lawyers filed briefs last weekend.
· Not surprisingly, Whitehall has been hedging its bets with officials preparing briefs to cover a variety of eventualities.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► briefs
1[usually singular] official instructions that explain what someone’s job is, what their duties are etc: - At 9:15, they give the foreign news in brief.
- In brief, the President plans to cut defense spending and lower taxes.
The architect’s brief is to design an extension that is modern but blends with the rest of the building.2 law a short spoken or written statement giving facts about a law case: The ACLU filed a brief (=gave one to the court) opposing the decision.3British English law a law case that a lawyer will argue in a court4a short report about something5in brief a)in as few words as possible: We should, in brief, invest heavily in digital systems. b)without any details: Here again are today’s headlines in brief.6briefs [plural] men’s or women’s underwear worn on the lower part of the bodybrief1 adjectivebrief2 nounbrief3 verb
briefbrief3 ●○○ AWL verb [transitive] VERB TABLE
brief
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | brief |
| he, she, it | briefs | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | briefed |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have briefed |
| he, she, it | has briefed | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had briefed |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will brief |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have briefed |
| Continuous Form | ||
| Present | I | am briefing |
| he, she, it | is briefing | |
| you, we, they | are briefing | |
| Past | I, he, she, it | was briefing |
| you, we, they | were briefing | |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have been briefing |
| he, she, it | has been briefing | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had been briefing |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will be briefing |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have been briefing |
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- DeGaulle flew back to England to be briefed about the invasion that was about to begin.
- It was clear the witness had been well briefed.
- Make sure that the PR department are fully briefed on their role.
- Police officers were briefed before going out to arrest the suspects.
- You'll be picked up from here tomorrow night and briefed on what you have to do.
- A reporter who attempted to cover the meeting was asked to leave but was briefed afterward by project officials on what happened.
- All teachers were personally briefed on this procedure, which is designed to minimise underreporting of smoking behaviour.
- At Question Time the Prime Minister is backed by the civil servants who brief her and try to anticipate supplementary questions.
- Barristers may not be approached directly by most clients: they may only be briefed by solicitors.
- However, they have not been briefed that in this case the drop zone will be changed at the last minute.
- The client should then be briefed.
THESAURUS
to give someone information by speaking or writing to them: · She wrote to tell me she was getting married.· Can you tell us where the nearest garage is?
especially spoken to tell someone something when you know more about it: · Let me know your new address as soon as you can.· Let us know what happens at the interview.
(also pass it on informal) to tell another person the information that has been told to you: · She’s with a client at the moment, but I’ll pass the message on to her.· If I get any news, I’ll pass it on.
to give someone all the necessary information about a situation, so that they can do their work: · Police officers were briefed before going out to arrest the suspects.
formal to tell someone about something that happened to you or to someone else: · One girl related a story about a friend who had accidentally become pregnant.
formal to tell someone about a series of events: · The guide recounted the history of the castle, from the 1300s onwards.
to tell someone about something that they did not know about, but which they need to know about: · I wanted to bring the matter to your attention.· She was the first person to study the effects of pesticides, and to bring them to people’s attention.
informal to tell someone about things that have happened recently, especially at work: · Can you fill Robert in on the progress we’ve made while he’s been on holiday?
Longman Language Activatorto tell someone the most recent information to give someone regular information about decisions, events etc, so that they know exactly what is happening: · I want to know what you decide, so keep me informed.keep sb informed of/about: · We'll be keeping you informed of any new developments.· The doctor should be kept informed about any changes in your child's condition.keep somebody fully/well informed: · During the strike, the media kept the public fully informed about the situation.· Parents have complained that we are not keeping them very well informed of their children's progress.
to give someone regular information about what has been happening most recently: · We publish a weekly newsletter to keep everyone up to date.keep sb up to date with/on: · She reads the newspaper every day to keep herself up to date with financial affairs.· the magazine that keeps you up to date on all the latest in rock and pop
to tell someone about things that have happened recently, which they do not know about because they have not talked to you for quite a long time or they have been somewhere else: · You didn't miss much - I'll fill you in laterfill sb in on: · Marjorie filled us in on all the latest gossip.· Please can someone fill me in on anything I've missed?fill somebody in on what/where/when etc: · Bob filled me in on what he had been doing since we last met.
to give someone all the necessary information about a situation, so that they know exactly what is happening or so that they are prepared for something that they have to do: · Police officers were briefed before going out to arrest the suspects.be fully/well briefed: · Make sure that the PR department are fully briefed on their role.· It was clear the witness had been well briefed.brief somebody on/about something: · You'll be picked up from here tomorrow night and briefed on what you have to do.· DeGaulle flew back to England to be briefed about the invasion that was about to begin.
informal to tell someone all the information they need to know about a situation: · "Have you heard about the deal with IBM?" "Yes, John's just been giving me the low-down."give sb the low-down on: · The travel reporter was giving the low-down on the evening's traffic chaos.
to tell someone the things that have happened concerning a particular piece of work, plan, or situation since they last saw you: · Let me give you an update on the trial.· Can you give me an update on any policy changes there've been since we last spoke?
to officially tell someone about what has been happening in a particular area of work, especially because it is your job to do so: · Is there anything to report?report to somebody on something: · Nicky reports to me on any new developments in the relevant technological fields.report back (to somebody): · The delegation will report back to Congress on the situation inside China.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES They had a brief fling a few years ago. He started his own business last year, after a brief flirtation with political life. She had a brief flirtation with Tim. There was a slight hesitation in Jamie’s voice. There was a brief hiatus in the war. a brief respite from persecution One of his responsibilities is to keep a watching brief on foreign broadcasts.COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB
to give someone all the information about a situation that they will needbrief somebody on something· Everything seemed to have changed during his brief absence.
· The class were asked to write a brief account of their holidays.
· Let’s start with a brief analysis of the situation.
· He became acting president in a brief ceremony yesterday.
formal:· My manager said he wanted to have a brief chat with me.
· I just want to make a very brief comment.
· There's only a brief description of the hotel on the Internet.
(=quick, and not very detailed)· In chapter one, there is a brief examination of the economic situation in the country at the time.
(=a short conversation)· There followed a brief exchange between Mitti and Helga in German.
· The band had rather a brief existence.· The show's existence was extremely short.
(=being famous for a short time)· Ed achieved brief fame as a pop singer in the late 1980s.
They had a brief fling a few years ago. He started his own business last year, after a brief flirtation with political life. She had a brief flirtation with Tim.· I had little time for more than a quick glance around the house.
(=a very short look) We only had a fleeting glimpse of the river.
We only had a fleeting glimpse of the river. There was a slight hesitation in Jamie’s voice. There was a brief hiatus in the war.· Dillon makes only a brief mention of the idea in his book.
· She left a short message on his answering machine.
· For a brief moment, he looked directly at her.
· I like to have a brief nap in the afternoon.
(=short and not detailed)· He jotted down some brief notes.
· Each chapter begins with a brief outline of the topics covered in the chapter.
· It is useful to give a brief overview of the research done so far.
· "Well, that was a surprise," he said after a brief pause.
· He lived for a short period in Manchester.
· Brief references to the tragedy have appeared in the French press.
a brief respite from persecution· After a brief silence, Katherine nodded.
· The chairman opened the meeting with a brief speech.
· After a brief spell in a florist's shop, she became a hairdresser.
· Police last night issued a brief statement about the incident.
· No visa is required for short stays.
· Miss Russell was only able to pay a brief visit.
One of his responsibilities is to keep a watching brief on foreign broadcasts.· David D. is always well briefed, usually good-humoured, though he was looking a little frayed by the small hours of Friday.· Tony was well briefed before we descended to the bowels of the earth.
NOUN· A news briefing would be starting soon in town, but it could wait.· Donald Peterson said at a Pentagon news briefing as heavy snowfall continued to hamper search and rescue efforts near Vail, Colo.
· At the press briefing, Sen.· At a press briefing on Feb. 11, Brig.· Wetli was absent from the Monday press briefing.· On Jan. 28 at a parliamentary press briefing Viljoen expanded on the government's proposals, giving details of a five-step plan.· Feeley was shown at a press briefing saying it was just some early Christmas shopping.· At the noon press briefing there were questions.· If he is going to see them, Earl Bush, the press aide, will brief him on likely questions.
· A senior State Department official briefed reporters on U.S. objections to the draft.
VERB· Kim said that briefing will be held later this month, at a date and place still undecided.
· Bringing your own people in here, your own scientists ... and not telling them, not briefing them.
The president has been fully briefed on the current situation in Haiti.► see thesaurus at tell → debrief