precis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic, Literary
Quick answer
What does “precis” mean?
A precise summary, abstract, or concise version of a longer text.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A precise summary, abstract, or concise version of a longer text.
As a verb: to summarise a text concisely. The concept of distillation and condensation of core ideas.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common and established in British academic and formal contexts. In AmE, 'summary' or 'abstract' are far more frequent.
Connotations
In BrE, it often implies a carefully crafted, formal summarisation exercise, sometimes for an exam or official purpose. In AmE, it might sound deliberately formal or old-fashioned.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but relatively higher in BrE.
Grammar
How to Use “precis” in a Sentence
[to] precis [something] (verb)a precis of [something] (noun)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “precis” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The students were asked to precis the first chapter of the treaty.
- Can you precis the main arguments of the paper?
American English
- The editor requested that I precis the lengthy proposal into a single page.
- She skillfully precised the complex legal document.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. 'Please provide a one-page precis of the quarterly report for the board.'
Academic
Common (BrE). 'The exam required a 200-word precis of the journal article.'
Everyday
Extremely rare.
Technical
Rare, outside of specific editorial or publishing contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “precis”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “precis”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “precis”
- Pronouncing it /priːˈsɪs/ or /ˈprɛsɪs/. Using it as a verb without an object (incorrect: 'He was asked to precis.').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, particularly in British English. It means 'to make a precis of' or 'to summarise concisely'.
'Precis' implies a more formal, precise, and often shorter condensation of a text, sticking closely to the original structure and tone. 'Summary' is a broader, more general term.
In British English, it's /ˈpreɪsiː/ (PRAY-see). In American English, it's often /preɪˈsiː/ (pray-SEE), though the noun can also be pronounced like the BrE version.
No, it is quite rare and formal in American English. 'Summary' or 'abstract' are almost always preferred.
A precise summary, abstract, or concise version of a longer text.
Precis is usually formal, academic, literary in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To precis something down to its essence”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'precise' – a precis is a PRECISE summary.
Conceptual Metaphor
DISTILLATION (removing the water/extraneous material to leave the essence).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'precis' MOST likely to be used?