brief

/bɹiːf/

noun

Meaning

A writ summoning one to answer to any action.
An answer to any action.
A memorandum of points of fact or of law for use in conducting a case.
(by extension) A position of interest or advocacy.
An attorney's legal argument in written form for submission to a court.
(English law) The material relevant to a case, delivered by a solicitor to the barrister who tries the case.
A short news story or report.
"We got a news brief."
(usually in the plural) undershorts briefs.
"I wear boxers under trousers but for sports I usually wear a brief."
A summary, précis or epitome; an abridgement or abstract.
A letter patent, from proper authority, authorizing a collection or charitable contribution of money in churches, for any public or private purpose.
(slang) A ticket of any type.

verb

Meaning

To summarize a recent development to some person with decision-making power.
"The U.S. president was briefed on the military coup and its implications on African stability."
To write a legal argument and submit it to a court.

adjective

Meaning

Of short duration; happening quickly.
"Her reign was brief but spectacular."
Concise; taking few words.
"His speech of acceptance was brief but moving."
Occupying a small distance, area or spatial extent; short.
"Her skirt was extremely brief but doubtless cool."
Rife; common; prevalent.

adverb

Meaning