gist meaning and definition

GIST noun

Definition of gist (noun)

1. the central meaning or theme of a speech or literary work
   • synonyms: burden, core, effect, essence
2. the choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience
   • "the gist of the prosecutor's argument"; "the heart and soul of the Republican Party"; "the nub of the story"
   • synonyms: center, centre, core, essence, heart, heart and soul, inwardness, kernel, marrow, meat, nitty-gritty, nub, pith, substance, sum