You can refer to a “high-level overview” when you are trying to give the general idea behind something. If you’re not focusing on the details, then you might want to use a word or phrase that covers this. This article will explore some of the best ones you can use.
The preferred words are “summary,” “overview,” and “general meeting.” These work well to show that only the fundamentals or generalities need to be discussed. The details might come later, but they are not included in the initial discussion that takes place.
Summary
“Summary” works well to show that only the most important information will be discussed. You can use it in business to show that you are only covering general aspects of something. The details can be clarified later, but the initial meeting stays general.
This is a fairly common word in business English. It’s used to refer to any situation where there is a need to keep things more general. Diving deeper into the details doesn’t always have to happen (at least not right away).
The definition of “summary,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “a short, clear description that gives the main facts or ideas about something.”
- I’ve got the summary written out here. It should give you all the information you’re going to need before you start working on this.
- I’m not sure this summary is correct. There seem to be a few things missing from this. I would like you to look into it if you have time.
- She wanted the summary, but you ended up giving her all the important facts. That wasn’t really yours to share.
Overview
“Overview” works well as a word on its own. You can remove the “high-level” adjective and still have the meaning be made clear. An “overview” is a short description of something. It often gives general facts and figures without worrying about specifics.
Overviews are very common in business English. While “high-level overview” is a common adjective phrase, it isn’t always necessary. Most native speakers already understand what “overview” means.
The definition of “overview,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “a short description of something that provides general information about it, but no details.”
- I only need an overview to know what needs to happen next. You can spare me the main details. I’ll just focus on the little bits.
- We only have time for a quick overview. Will you be able to help us get to the bottom of all of this?
- The overview will be over in a few short moments. I’m afraid you’re going to have to remain patient while we talk through the rest of it.
General Meeting
“General meeting” is a great way to show that you are keeping everything “general.” “General” refers to things not being detailed. Instead, only the most important facts or figures are included.
The specific details are often left out of a “general meeting” because they are irrelevant. They might also be left out because some people do not need to know about the specifics behind certain things.
The definition of “general,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “not detailed, but including the most basic or necessary information.”
- We need to have a general meeting to discuss what’s going on here. We want to make sure all the general facts are covered.
- It’s important to have general meetings that leave the most pressing details out. They’re only on a need-to-know basis.
- We thought you were hosting a general meeting today. We didn’t bother to bring anything along to take notes with.
Résumé
“Résumé” is a word of French origin. It works well when you’re trying to talk about a short statement that only provides general details. Specific information is left out because it will not help the person listening to the résumé to get a general idea.
It’s common to use “résumé” in a business context. People like to use it more for short statements rather than complete meetings, though. It can be a bit more restrictive than some of the other words.
The definition of “résumé,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “a short statement of the important details of something.”
- I would really like you to give me a brief résumé of what you think we’re supposed to do next. We’re at a bit of a loss right now.
- The résumé he provided didn’t clear up a lot of the concerns I had. I hope that’s something that can be fixed later.
- I attended the meeting to get the résumé from the boss. He seems to think that a lot of this is under control, which is good.
Abstract
“Abstract” is fairly common in formal writing, and it does translate quite well to business English. Most of the time, an “abstract” is a short article or speech that gives the most important ideas behind something.
In a business context, you can use “abstract” to show that you’re sharing the most important details, but you’re not highlighting every specific event or thing.
The definition of “abstract,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “a short form of a speech, article, book, etc., giving only the most important facts or ideas.”
- Whatever happens next, we have an abstract that needs to be sorted out. All the information will be given to you later in the week.
- Have you read through the abstract that we’ve provided for you? Hopefully, it clears up a few of the questions you might have.
- I’m not sure that an abstract is the best course to take here. It’s going to be difficult for anyone out there to trust you after this.
Outline
“Outline” refers to a description of the main idea of something. It is still a fairly general idea, though. After all, to keep the description concise, a lot of information needs to be omitted. The omitted information usually comes from the specific details.
“High-level overviews” often rely on “outlines” of general ideas. This gives people just enough information to help them understand something without completely giving everything away.
The definition of “outline,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “a description of the main facts about something.”
- We don’t have much time. Just give us the general outline before we need to leave. We can work out most of it from there.
- What’s the outline talking about? Is there anything that we’re able to change ourselves? Or should we wait until later?
- I thought you were providing us with a suitable outline. It seems like you don’t have a clue about what’s happening in your company.
The Lowdown
“The lowdown” is a common phrase that people use in business English. It refers to the most important facts about something. To make sure only important facts are covered, the discussion or meeting is kept very general.
Most specific details are scrapped during “the lowdown.” Only the most important things stick around to make sure the explanation is as efficient as it can be.
The definition of “the lowdown,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “the most important facts and information about something.”
- Don’t worry; I’ll give you all the lowdown as soon as I know more information. I can only keep it general, though.
- The lowdown wasn’t filled with many important facts. We already knew most of it, but it was still nice to speak to the boss.
- I need to give you the lowdown, but I’ll have to ask you to come back later. I’ve got some information that might help you out.
Rundown
“Rundown” works well when the most important information is provided. This usually means that a lot of specific details are overlooked in favor of the more general idea behind the meeting.
Most people prefer to give “rundowns” when they are in a rush or do not want to mention all the specifics. It could be useful to recite only the general details to people within a company, especially if you rank higher than them.
The definition of “rundown,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “a report that provides the most important information about something.”
- If you have time for a quick rundown, I’ll be waiting in my office. I only need the general details. Don’t worry about specifics.
- I thought you might be able to give me the rundown. Will you spare a couple of minutes later to help enlighten me?
- The rundown is going to have to wait. We’ve got a few pressing matters that need attending before we can continue.
Abridged Version
“Abridged version” works when only general details or important information has been included in a discussion or meeting. You can refer to something that is “high-level” as “abridged” when it is shortened to make it more comprehensive.
The definition of “abridged,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “made shorter by having some details or less important information removed.”
- Look, just give me the abridged version, and I’ll be out of your hair. I’m not asking for all the major details of this project.
- You’re going to have to wait for the abridged version once we’ve figured a few things out. Sorry about that.
- The abridged version was clearly mocked up because they didn’t want to share the specifics with us. I’m fine with that.
Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here.