In a word 's definition, meaning and history

Meaning of “in a word”

The phrase “in a word” is an idiomatic expression that means “briefly” or “summed up in one word.” It’s used to introduce a concise or succinct summary of something, often followed by a single word or phrase that captures the essence of a larger concept or idea.

For example, you might say “In a word, the movie was disappointing” to provide a quick assessment of a film’s quality. Or you could say “In a word, she’s amazing” to express admiration for someone in a succinct way.

Here are some other things to know about “in a word”:

• It’s often used to introduce a summary or conclusion, like “In a word, it was chaos.”
• “In a word” is a formal way of saying “briefly” or “to sum up.”
• It can be used in both positive and negative contexts, like “In a word, it was breathtaking” or “In a word, it was a disaster.”

History of “in a word”

The phrase “in a word” has been in use for centuries, with its origins dating back to Middle English. Here’s what we know about its history:

• Early usage: The phrase “in a word” first appeared in English in the 16th century, with early examples found in texts from the 1500s.
• Evolution of meaning: Over time, “in a word” has come to be used more broadly to introduce concise summaries or conclusions.
• Formality: “In a word” is considered a formal expression in English, often used in writing or formal speech to provide succinct assessments or summaries.
• Synonyms: Other phrases that can be used in place of “in a word” include “to sum up,” “briefly,” or “in short.”

Overall, “in a word” is a versatile idiom in English that is used to introduce concise summaries or conclusions. It’s a common phrase that can be used in a variety of contexts to provide quick assessments or to sum up complex ideas in a single word or phrase.

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