Conspectus

/kənˈspɛktəs/ noun

Definition

A brief written summary or overview of a subject, often in outline form.

Etymology

From Latin conspectus (a viewing together), from conspicere (to see together). This is the direct Latin term adopted into English, common in academic and formal writing.

Kelly Says

You'll see 'conspectus' in academic writing (like 'a conspectus of medieval history'), and it's still very much alive in English, unlike its cousin 'conspect'—which shows how sometimes the longer Latin form wins out over the shorter one.

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