GIST - Definition & Meaning for Kids

Simple definitions and word synonyms for kids.

Part of speech: Noun

the choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience

Example: the gist of the prosecutor's argument; the heart and soul of the Republican Party; the nub of the story

Part of speech: Noun

the central meaning or theme of a speech or literary work

The word "gist" comes from Latin iaceō, which comes from Old French gist. Many other languages have similar words:

Roman military conquests permanently planted Latin vocabulary across three continents.