Brief is most commonly used as an adjective to mean lasting a short amount of time. As an adjective, it can also mean concise or said in a few words, as in Keep your introduction brief and get right to the point. I promise to be brief.

Understanding the Context

[=I promise to say what I need to say quickly] She gave a brief [= concise] description/summary/history of the problem. The essay is brief but thorough enough. Adjective brief (comparative briefer or more brief, superlative briefest or most brief) Of short duration; happening quickly. [from 15th c.] The meaning of BRIEF is short in duration, extent, or length.

Key Insights

How to use brief in a sentence. BRIEF definition: 1. lasting only a short time or containing few words: 2. used to express how quickly time goes…. Learn more.

Final Thoughts

Something that is brief lasts for only a short time. She once made a brief appearance on television. This time their visit is brief. Definition of brief adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. Define brief.

brief synonyms, brief pronunciation, brief translation, English dictionary definition of brief. adj. brief er , brief est 1. Short in time, duration, length, or extent.