synoptic

/si'nɔptik/

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Word: Synoptic

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition: The word "synoptic" means presenting a general view or summary of something. It often refers to taking the same point of view. In a religious context, it is commonly used when talking about the first three gospels of the New Testament in the Bible: Matthew, Mark, and Luke. These gospels are called "synoptic" because they share similar stories and viewpoints about the life of Jesus.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "synoptic" when you want to describe something that gives a broad overview or summary.
• It can be used in various contexts, such as literature, science, or religious texts.

Examples:

1. Everyday Use: "The teacher gave a synoptic overview of the history lesson, summarizing the main events."
2. Religious Context: "The synoptic gospels provide similar accounts of Jesus’s life and teachings."

Advanced Usage:

• In academic or professional settings, "synoptic" can describe a comprehensive summary of research findings or theories, such as "a synoptic review of the literature."

Word Variants:

• Synoptically (adverb): "The data was presented synoptically to highlight the key findings."
• Synopticism (noun): Refers to the study or practice of creating synoptic views, especially in the context of scripture.

Different Meanings:

• Meteorology: In weather reports, "synoptic" refers to a broad view of atmospheric conditions over a large area. For example, "The synoptic chart showed the weather patterns across the country."

Synonyms:

• Summary
• Overview
• General view
• Comprehensive

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While "synoptic" doesn’t have specific idioms or phrasal verbs associated with it, you can use phrases like "in a nutshell" to convey a similar idea of summarizing information.

Summary:

"Synoptic" is a useful word when you want to talk about summaries or shared perspectives, whether in religion, literature, or other fields.

Academic

Adjective

1. presenting or taking the same point of view; used especially with regard to the first three gospels of the New Testament
   • synoptic sayings
2. presenting a summary or general view of a whole
   • a synoptic presentation of a physical theory

Synonyms

• synoptical