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summary

summary

5.5
Done quickly without the usual formal process, often as punishment
  • adjective
  • /ˈsʌməri/
  • Formal
translation icon : sumario
  • Due to the emergency, the board took summary action to implement new safety protocols right away.

And they were given a quick summary sentences which meant execution.

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Examples

  • The District Court granted summary judgment to the Trust, ruling that Market Street's behavior violated a good faith contractual requirement.

  • The court would then "proceed to an examination of witnesses and other evidence" and render their verdict "in the most summary and expeditious manner."

    Academic text (2009)
  • The manager made a summary decision to cut costs immediately due to the urgent financial crisis.

  • In the meeting, we reached a summary agreement to move forward with the project despite the lack of detailed plans.

Synonyms

immediate
vssummary
570 1.3

Happening at once without any delay

is done at once but also omits usual formal procedures in pressing situations
urgent
vssummary
337 2.9

Very important and needing action right away

describes the actual rapid action taken, not just the need for it
quick
vssummary
  • Informal
130 1.0

Happening or done without any delay

is the fast action that specifically omits formal procedures for pressing reasons
spur-of-the-moment
vssummary
  • Informal
4 5.8

Happening suddenly without planning, often as a quick decision

is done as a fast response that bypasses usual formal procedures
drumhead
vssummary
  • Jargon
9.8

Done quickly without normal legal steps, often by the military

is the general term used outside military or legal settings
rushed
vssummary
1.8

Made quickly without enough care because there is little time

describes a fast action that skips usual formal procedures because of pressing need
hurried
vssummary
3.4

Done quickly without careful thought

focuses on fast action that ignores normal procedures because of pressing need

Compounds

10 6.7

A court decision without a full trial when the facts are not in doubt

How Formal

formal
  • Formal
63 3.0
procedural
18 6.3
summary
  • Formal
5.5
routine
263 1.0
informal
98 3.1

Surface Forms

summary positive

Etymology

Summary, used in law, comes from the same root summa, which means 'sum' or 'main point'. A helpful way to remember it is to think of acting on the main point at once, so a summary dismissal or hearing is done quickly and without the usual formal steps.