Brief vs Debrief
What’s the difference between them?
Brief
Meaning:
short in duration or extent; concise.
Examples:
1. Please keep your presentation brief.
2. The doctor gave me a brief physical exam.
3. I don't need a lengthy explanation, just give me the brief version.
Debrief
Meaning:
to have a discussion with someone after they have completed a task or activity, especially in order to assess their experience and gain feedback.
Examples:
1. After the mission, the team gathered to debrief their progress.
2. The sergeant held a debriefing to discuss the objectives of the operation.
3. The police debriefed the witnesses to gain a better understanding of the crime.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Brief
1. Concise
2. Succinct
3. Terse
4. Pithy
5. In a nutshell
1. Lengthy
2. Elaborate
3. Detailed
4. Verbose
5. Prolonged
Debrief
1. Recap
2. Review
3. Summarize
4. Disclose
5. Report
1. Recapitulate
2. Expand
3. Approve
4. Conceal
5. Withhold Information
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Brief", "Debrief".
1. Brief means short and concise.
2. Debrief is to provide a detailed account of an event or activity.
3. 'Debriefing is about providing the details'.
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
When should the word 'Brief' be used?
Brief is most often used when providing a concise overview of something, usually in the context of providing information in a concise and efficient manner. It can also be used to refer to a document or set of instructions that provide detailed information about a particular topic.
When is the appropriate context for using the word 'Debrief'?
Debrief is typically used to refer to a process or discussion in which detailed information about a particular event or situation is discussed, often with the goal of learning from the experience and forming future strategies. It is commonly used in the military, business, and education contexts.
Do the two words share the same pronunciation?
No, the two words are not pronounced the same. Brief is pronounced /brif/, while debrief is pronounced /debrif/.
What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?
One of the most common mistakes people make when using these words is confusing them in terms of their meanings. It's important to remember that Brief is used to refer to something brief and concise, while Debrief refers to a detailed discussion or process. Additionally, people often mix up the pronunciations of the two words.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. He held a __ with the team before they began their mission.
2. At the end of the project, he conducted a __ to review their progress.
3. The manager wanted to give a __ overview of the task at hand.
4. All staff members were required to attend the __.
5. After his presentation, he opened the floor for __.
6. The __ lasted only ten minutes before everyone went back to work.
1. He held a BRIEF with the team before they began their mission.
Explanation: Brief is a verb meaning to give (someone) essential information. In this context, the manager is giving essential information to the team before they begin their mission.
2. At the end of the project, he conducted a DEBRIEF to review their progress.
Explanation: Debrief is a verb meaning to give or receive a summary of a particular event or experience. In this context, the manager is summarizing the progress of the project in order to review it.
3. The manager wanted to give a BRIEF overview of the task at hand.
Explanation: Brief is an adjective meaning lasting for a short time or covering only an outline. In this context, the manager is giving a short overview of the task to be completed.
4. All staff members were required to attend the BRIEF.
Explanation: Brief is a noun meaning a concise and exact statement. In this context, the brief is the concise statement given by the manager regarding the task.
5. After his presentation, he opened the floor for DEBRIEF.
Explanation: Debrief is a noun meaning a detailed review of an event or experience. In this context, the manager is opening the floor for a detailed review of the task and presentation.
6. The BRIEF lasted only ten minutes before everyone went back to work.
Explanation: Brief is an adjective meaning of short duration. In this context, the managers brief only lasted for ten minutes before everyone resumed work.
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Download the PDF with a list of commonly confused words made as flashcards for comfortable learning.
List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.