gist jist noun WS #21

the substance or essence of a speech or text; the main or most important part of a matter

1. I missed the beginning of the lecture, but I got the gist of what the professor was explaining.
2. The gist of his argument was that we need to invest more in renewable energy.
3. She didn't understand all the legal terminology, but she grasped the gist of the contract.
4. The gist of the meeting was that budget cuts would be necessary next quarter.
5. Can you give me the gist of what happened while I was away?