What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
summa
Example
Aquinas' Summa Theologica is a comprehensive work on Christian theology. [summa: noun]
Example
The summa of his research was presented in a 500-page report. [summa: noun]
summary
Example
Can you give me a summary of the article you just read? [summary: noun]
Example
She summarized her findings in a two-page report. [summarized: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Summary is a more common word than summa and is widely used in various contexts, including academic, professional, legal, and business settings. Summa is a more specialized term and is primarily used in academic or scholarly contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between summa and summary?
Summa is typically associated with a formal and academic tone, while summary is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
