Summary vs. Synopsis — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 21, 2023
A summary is a brief account that covers the main points of a text, often for quick understanding or review. A synopsis is a condensed outline that provides an overview of the plot, characters, and key events, usually for evaluation or selection purposes.
Difference Between Summary and Synopsis
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A summary is a condensed version of a text or event that aims to highlight the essential points, allowing for quick understanding or review. A synopsis, however, is more structured and usually serves as an outline that captures the critical elements like plot, characters, and key turning points, often for the sake of evaluation or selection.
In academic and professional settings, a summary may be used to distill complex reports, studies, or articles into an easily digestible form. A synopsis, on the other hand, is often used in creative fields like literature, film, and theater to offer a quick but comprehensive overview for those evaluating the work for publication, production, or other purposes.
A summary can vary in length and detail based on the complexity of the material and the audience's needs. A synopsis is generally more concise and directive in its approach, offering just enough information to help someone decide whether the full work is worth their time or investment.
In everyday language, people may use "summary" and "synopsis" interchangeably. However, the two serve different purposes and are often targeted towards distinct audiences. A summary aims for broad comprehension, while a synopsis aims for evaluative understanding.
Comparison Chart
Purpose
Quick understanding or review
Evaluation or selection
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Structure
Flexible, varies in length and detail
Usually concise and structured
Common Fields
Academic, professional, general
Creative, evaluative
Scope
Main points
Plot, characters, key events
Audience
Broad
Often targeted for evaluation
Compare with Definitions
Summary
A brief account for quick understanding or review.
He skimmed the executive summary of the report.
Synopsis
A brief outline summarizing the main elements of a story.
The film's synopsis sounded intriguing.
Summary
A condensed version of a text highlighting the main points.
The teacher asked for a one-page summary of the book.
Synopsis
A condensed overview for evaluation or selection.
She sent a synopsis of her book to several publishers.
Summary
An abstract that distills complex information.
Her summary made the scientific article easier to understand.
Synopsis
A summary that includes the main characters and events.
The synopsis helped him understand the play's complex characters.
Summary
A recapitulation in shortened form.
The meeting ended with a summary of the discussed points.
Synopsis
A quick but comprehensive guide to a work's content.
The back cover had a synopsis of the novel's plot.
Summary
A brief statement mentioning the main points of something
A summary of our findings.
Synopsis
An evaluative outline often used in creative fields.
The script's synopsis caught the producer's attention.
Summary
Prose that provides information in a condensed format, as by mentioning only the most significant details of a narrative
The novelist did not like writing dialogue and preferred to write stories in summary.
Synopsis
A brief summary or general survey of something
A synopsis of the insurance cover provided is set out below
Summary
Presenting the substance in a condensed form; concise
A summary review.
Synopsis
A brief outline or general view, as of a subject or written work; an abstract or a summary.
Summary
Performed speedily and without ceremony
Summary justice.
A summary rejection.
Synopsis
(authorship) A brief summary of the major points of a written work, either as prose or as a table; an abridgment or condensation of a work.
Summary
Concise, brief or presented in a condensed form
A summary review is in the appendix.
Synopsis
A reference work containing brief articles that taken together give an overview of an entire field.
Summary
Performed speedily and without formal ceremony.
They used summary executions to break the resistance of the people.
Synopsis
(Orthodoxy) A prayer book for use by the laity of the church.
Summary
(legal) Performed by skipping the procedures of a standard and fair trial.
Summary justice is bad justice.
Synopsis
A general view, or a collection of heads or parts so arranged as to exhibit a general view of the whole; an abstract or summary of a discourse; a syllabus; a conspectus.
That the reader may see in one view the exactness of the method, as well as force of the argument, I shall here draw up a short synopsis of this epistle.
Summary
An abstract or a condensed presentation of the substance of a body of material.
Make a summary of the events
Synopsis
A sketchy summary of the main points of an argument or theory
Summary
Formed into a sum; summed up; reduced into a narrow compass, or into few words; short; brief; concise; compendious; as, a summary statement of facts.
Summary
Hence, rapidly performed; quickly executed; as, a summary process; to take summary vengeance.
Summary
A general or comprehensive statement; an abridged account; an abstract, abridgment, or compendium, containing the sum or substance of a fuller account.
Summary
A briefstatement that presents the main points in a concise form;
He gave a summary of the conclusions
Summary
Performed speedily and without formality;
A summary execution
Summary justice
Summary
Briefly giving the gist of something;
A short and compendious book
A compact style is brief and pithy
Succinct comparisons
A summary formulation of a wide-ranging subject
Summary
A general overview that omits details.
The news provided a summary of the election results.
Common Curiosities
What is a summary?
A summary is a condensed version of a text highlighting its main points.
Can a summary be long?
A summary can vary in length based on the complexity of the material.
What is the purpose of a synopsis?
The purpose of a synopsis is for evaluation or selection.
Is a summary structured?
A summary is usually flexible in its structure.
What does a synopsis cover?
A synopsis covers the plot, characters, and key events.
Is a synopsis structured?
A synopsis is generally more structured and organized.
Are summary and synopsis interchangeable?
While sometimes used interchangeably, they serve different purposes.
What is a synopsis?
A synopsis is a structured overview focusing on the plot, characters, and key events.
What is the purpose of a summary?
The purpose of a summary is for quick understanding or review.
Is a synopsis generally long?
A synopsis is usually concise and to the point.
In what fields is a summary commonly used?
Summaries are common in academic, professional, and general settings.
In what fields is a synopsis commonly used?
Synopses are often used in creative fields like literature and film.
What does a summary cover?
A summary covers the main points of a text or event.
Who is the audience for a synopsis?
The audience for a synopsis is often targeted for evaluation or selection.
Who is the audience for a summary?
The audience for a summary is generally broad.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
