Synoptic
Adjective
Definition: of or forming a general summary or synopsis.
Synonyms: Concise, Condensed, Summary, Abridged
Antonyms: Detailed, Extensive, Comprehensive
- The lecturer provided a synoptic overview of the topic.
- The synoptic report highlighted the key findings of the study.
- Think of "syn-" meaning together or the same, and "-optic" relating to vision or viewing. Synoptic refers to viewing things together, summarizing them.
Etymology:
The word "synoptic" comes from Greek roots. "Syn-", meaning together or the same, and "-optic", relating to vision or viewing. It was first used in English in the mid-19th century.
Historical Usage:The term "synoptic" has been primarily used in the fields of literature, theology, and science to describe summaries, condensed versions, or general overviews of larger texts or topics.
Related Idioms:
"Synoptic Gospels"
Explanation:Referring to the first three books of the New Testament in the Bible - Matthew, Mark, and Luke - which provide similar accounts of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
Misconceptions:
Confusing "synoptic" with "synchronous."
Explanation:While both words have "syn-" as a prefix, they have different meanings. "Synoptic" refers to a summary or synopsis, while "synchronous" means happening or existing at the same time.