gist in English
- gist⇄gist, noun.
1. the essential part; real point; main idea; substance of a longer statement.
Ex. The gist of his long speech was that we should build a new school.
(SYN) essence, pith.
2. the basis for a legal action.
gist in Sindhi سنڌي
gist in Tamil தமிழ்
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Gist
Part of Speech
Noun
Pronunciation
/dʒɪst/ (American & British English)
Definitions
- The main or essential part of a matter.
- A summary or central idea of a discussion, speech, or text.
Usage Examples
- She quickly understood the gist of the conversation.
- The article was long, but the gist was clear.
Etymology
Derived from Old French "gésir" meaning "to lie," and later adapted in legal contexts to mean the core of a legal claim. Over time, it evolved to mean the essence of any subject.
Synonyms
- Essence
- Main point
- Core
- Summary
Antonyms
- Detail
- Peripheral
- Unimportant aspect
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| French | Essentiel | /ɛ.sɑ̃.sjɛl/ |
| Spanish | Esencia | /eˈsen.sja/ |
| German | Kernpunkt | /ˈkɛʁn.pʊŋkt/ |
| Hindi | सार | /sɑːr/ |
| Mandarin Chinese | 要点 | /yào diǎn/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
- Standard British English: /dʒɪst/
- American English: /dʒɪst/
- Australian English: /dʒɪst/
Historical Usage
Originally used in legal terms during the 17th century, meaning "the essential ground for legal action." Over time, it broadened to mean the central point of any subject.
Cultural Nuances
In modern speech, "gist" is frequently used informally to summarize discussions, making it a common word in casual and professional communication.
More Information
The word "gist" is widely used in legal, academic, and conversational contexts. It emphasizes understanding the main idea rather than focusing on details.