Definition of Brief
Quick Meaning of Brief
Short in length or time; not lasting very long.
Detailed Definition of Brief
Lasting only a short time; not long in duration.
How to Pronounce Brief
Stress pattern: O (1-syllable word).
Tip: Sounds like 'breef' with a long vowel. Rhymes with 'beef'. Don't rhyme with 'grief' (pronounced /ɡriːf/); both are long vowels but 'brief' starts with 'br'.
Watch out: Some learners say 'brie-f' with two syllables; it should be one syllable /briːf/.
Origin and Etymology of Brief
From Old French 'brief', from Latin 'brevis', meaning short.
How to Use Brief in a Sentence
Each example shows “brief” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“The meeting was brief, only fifteen minutes.”
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“I had a brief conversation with my friend.”
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“The doctor gave a brief explanation of the treatment.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Brief
Common Synonyms for Brief
Smart Synonyms for Brief — When to Use Each
- short
- more common everyday word for describing limited duration
- quick
- emphasizing the speed of an action or event
Antonyms of Brief
Common Collocations with Brief
These phrases pair with “brief” in everyday English:
- brief moment
- brief meeting
- brief visit
- brief period
- brief summary
Common Mistakes When Using Brief
Even fluent speakers slip up with “brief”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: The meeting was very brief period.
- ✓ Correct: The meeting was a brief period.
- Why: 'Very' + adjective is correct, but 'brief period' is the noun phrase; 'very brief' modifies the whole phrase.
- ✗ Wrong: They stay for a brief time yesterday.
- ✓ Correct: They stayed for a brief time yesterday.
- Why: Past time reference 'yesterday' requires past tense 'stayed', not present 'stay'.
Other Forms of Brief
Frequently Asked Questions About Brief
What is the meaning of "Brief"?
Short in length or time; not lasting very long.
How do you pronounce "Brief"?
The IPA is /briːf/. Sounds like 'breef' with a long vowel. Rhymes with 'beef'. Don't rhyme with 'grief' (pronounced /ɡriːf/); both are long vowels but 'brief' starts with 'br'.
What part of speech is "Brief"?
"Brief" is an adjective at A2 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Brief"?
Common synonyms include short, quick, fleeting.
How do you use "Brief" in a sentence?
For example: "The meeting was brief, only fifteen minutes."