Gist meaning in English
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Definition
the gist (of a story): the essence, the point, the most important idea (of a story)
to get the gist (of a story): to understand the main point, idea, meaning (of a story)
Pronunciation examples
UK: Just give me the gist of what he said.
US: I didn't understand the gist of the article - what was it about?
Examples
- "Brent : Well just give us the gist then, Englishman."
- "Apparently every serious businessman needs one, or that was the gist of it."
- "Nigel : That's the gist of it."
Exercise 1
Select all of the TRUE statements from the list below.
There may be more than one correct answer!
There may be more than one correct answer!
Select all of the TRUE statements from the list below.
There may be more than one correct answer!
There may be more than one correct answer!
This is a true statement. Moira tells Brent that she is 'currently dating a Frenchman'. To 'date someone' is to see someone romantically, such as couples do at the beginning stages of a romantic relationship.
This statement is false. Rupert tells Brent and Moira that cricket is generally played in England and its former colonies. There is no indication that the British have stopped playing cricket, or that they no longer play it. Rupert goes on to say that Australia, New Zealand, India and the West Indies (former or previous colonies of Great Britain) now play cricket in addition to Great Britain.
This statement is false. After Rupert tells Moira and Brent that cricket is a complicated game which is hard to explain, Brent tells him to explain the 'gist' of it. The 'gist' (of a story) is the main point or theme of it. Brent goes on to ask if cricket is the same as baseball. Brent's statements indicate that he does not understand cricket.
This statement is false. Although golf is mentioned in the broadcast, it is because Rupert is remarking on the fact that cricket, like golf, is one of the oldest sports in the world. Brent does mention the fact that the British invented tennis and football however.
This is a true statement. Brent tells us 'this week, Rupert is here to look at that most baffling of sports. Cricket!' Although other sports are mentioned in the broadcast, Rupert is specifically discussing the game of cricket. The adjective 'baffling' is synonymous with 'confusing'.
Exercise 2
"That was the gist of it."
If Bruno understands the "gist" of the article, he understands of it.
If Bruno understands the "gist" of the article, he understands of it.
"That was the gist of it."
If Bruno understands the "gist" of the article, he understands the main idea of it.
If Bruno understands the "gist" of the article, he understands the main idea of it.
the main idea: This is correct. The "gist (of a text)" is the most essential part or the main idea that it carries. For example: The most important thing for you to do is understand the gist of your Gymglish dialogue, not every single word. When Bruno refers to the "gist" of the article he has read, he is describing the main message that the article is conveying.
none: This is incorrect. Understanding the "gist" of an article does not mean that one understands "none" of it, but rather that they understand the main idea of it.
a small part: This is incorrect. Understanding the "gist" of an article does not mean that one understands "a small part" of it, but rather that they understand the main idea of it.
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