synopsis
Meaning
a brief summary or general survey of something, such as the plot of a book, play, or movie.
Structure
Usage
The professor asked for a one-page synopsis of the research paper.
I read the synopsis on the back of the book before deciding to buy it.
The agent requested a synopsis and three sample chapters of the novel.
Etymology
The word 'synopsis' entered English in the early 17th century, directly from the Latin 'synopsis', which itself was borrowed from the Greek 'σύνοψις' (synopsis). The Greek term is a compound of 'σύν' (syn), meaning 'together', and 'ὄψις' (opsis), meaning 'view' or 'sight'. Literally, it meant 'a seeing all together' or 'a comprehensive view'. This etymological logic is preserved in the modern meaning: a synopsis provides a condensed, unified overview, allowing one to 'see together' all the key points of a subject at a glance.
Analysis
'syn' is a prefix of Greek origin meaning 'together' or 'with'. 'opsis' is a combining form from Greek, meaning 'view', 'sight', or 'appearance'.