Meaning
简述 means to describe or explain something concisely, focusing on the main points without going into detail. It combines 简 (simple/brief) with 述 (to state/narrate), creating a word commonly used in academic, professional, and formal contexts when someone needs to give a condensed version of information.
Usage
This is a somewhat formal verb frequently seen in exam questions, academic writing, and business reports. Native speakers use it when asking for or providing summaries, such as '请简述...' (Please briefly describe...). It's more formal than casual alternatives like 说说 (shuō shuo).
Examples
- 01请简述一下你的工作经验。.Please briefly describe your work experience.
- 02文章简述了这个项目的主要目标。.The article briefly described the main objectives of this project.
Characters
Common collocations
- 简述一下briefly describe (colloquial softener)
- 请简述please briefly describe
- 简述如下briefly described as follows
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters have classical roots: 简 originally referred to bamboo slips used for writing (suggesting conciseness), while 述 means to follow or narrate, from the semantic component 辶 (movement) and phonetic 术.