brief bri:f n [U] If something is said in brief, it is said in a very short form, with very few details. 简言之 In brief, then, has the government lost its nerve? 简言之，政府胆怯了吗？ "So you didn't enjoy the party then." "In brief, no." “那么，你不喜欢这次聚会喽？”“简单说吧，不喜欢。”