briefs
|briefs|
/briːfs/
(brief)
shorter duration
Etymology
'brief' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'brevis', where 'brevis' meant 'short'.
'brief' came into English via Old French 'brief' (or Medieval Latin influences) from Latin 'brevis'; Middle English forms included 'bref' and 'breif' before the modern form 'brief'.
Initially it meant 'short'; over time it came to mean 'short statement' or 'summary' and also came to be applied to short garments (hence 'briefs' for short underwear) and to concise written arguments (legal 'briefs').
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural of 'brief' meaning close-fitting short underwear, typically for men.
He bought a new pair of briefs.
Synonyms
Noun 2
legal documents: written statements submitted to a court that argue a case or summarize facts and law (plural: 'briefs').
The attorneys filed their briefs with the court.
Synonyms
Noun 3
short written summaries or instructions prepared for a person or group (e.g., design briefs, policy briefs).
The campaign manager prepared several briefs for the staff.
Synonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/12/25 17:44