brief

1. ADJ Something that is brief lasts for only a short time. 短暂的

She once made a brief appearance on television. 她曾在电视上短暂露面。

2. ADJ A brief speech or piece of writing does not contain too many words or details. (讲话、文章) 简短的

In a brief statement, he concentrated entirely on international affairs. 在一个简短的陈述中,他完全集中在了国际事务上。

3. ADJ If you are brief, you say what you want to say in as few words as possible. (说话) 简明扼要的[v-link ADJ]

Now please be brief – my time is valuable. 现在请长话短说–我的时间很宝贵。

4. ADJ You can describe a period of time as brief if you want to emphasize that it is very short. 短暂的[强调]

For a few brief minutes we forgot the anxiety and anguish. 短短的几分钟,我们忘却了忧伤和痛苦。

5. N-PLURAL Men's or women's underpants can be referred to as briefs. 短内裤[also 'a pair of' N]

A bra and a pair of briefs lay on the floor. 一件胸罩和一条短内裤放在地板上。

6. V-T If someone briefs you, especially about a piece of work or a serious matter, they give you information that you need before you do it or consider it. 介绍; 提供 (信息)

A Defense Department spokesman briefed reporters. 一位国防部发言人向记者们介绍了情况。

7. N-COUNT A brief is a document containing all the information relating to a particular legal case, which is used by a lawyer to defend his or her client in court. 案情摘要

Griffith's expertise is in writing legal briefs. 格里菲思的专长在于撰写法律案情摘要。

8. N-COUNT If someone gives you a brief, they officially give you responsibility and instructions for dealing with a particular thing. 职责[英国英语] [正式]

...customs officials with a brief to stop foreign porn coming into Britain. …身担阻止外国淫秽物品进入英国的职责的海关管员们。

9. →see also briefing

10. PHRASE You can say in brief to indicate that you are about to say something in as few words as possible or to give a summary of what you have just said. 简言之

In brief, take no risks. 简言之,别冒险。