gist
gist Lexical Profile
gist Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The substance, essence, or general meaning of a speech, text, or argument.
"Although I did not understand every technical term in the lecture, I caught the gist of the professor's argument."
In law, the real ground or essential point on which a legal action rests.
"Actual damage to the plaintiff's reputation formed the gist of the defamation lawsuit."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'gist' (pronounced with a soft 'g', like 'gem') with 'jest' (a joke). In everyday usage, 'gist' almost always appears as a singular noun preceded by the definite article 'the' (e.g., 'get the gist of something').
• Rhymes for gist
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the early 18th century from Anglo-French legal phrases such as 'cest action gist' ('this action lies'), from Old French 'gesir' (to lie), ultimately from Latin 'jacere' (to lie down).