Synoptic

adjective

Giving a broad or sweeping summation of the main idea(s)
Sharing or conforming to the same or similar points of view; (capitalized) often referring to the first three books of the New Testament (Matthew, Mark & Luke)
Concerning concurrent weather patterns occurring over a large region

noun

A name for the first three Gospels as a group of writings (often plural)

Usage

If you've ever been in an accident, you know the importance of having eyewitnesses. A legal conundrum can turn into a closed case when you have multiple witnesses giving synoptic accounts. Whether it's turmoil on I-95 or a domestic dispute, it's always helpful when you have people telling the same story. In fact, synoptic views are often seen as indispensable to resolving a case!

Synoptic is a word used to describe something that gives an overall summary or general outline of a topic or series of events. A synoptic account will include all of the major points needed to understand the basics of the topic, skimming over the minor details. One synoptic document that school children are all too well-acquainted with is the (dreaded) syllabus. A syllabus, or assignment sheet, often gives students a bullet-point list of what they will be doing throughout the semester so they might have a good idea of what's ahead in coming months. In a similar vein, websites that give book reviews and summaries do a wonderful job of giving readers a synoptic outline of major events, characters, and themes in a work of literature. Though synoptic explanations are useful when you need a quick review, it's usually better to read a thorough account of a subject if you want to learn the most from it!

Another way synoptic is used is to refer to one or more things that share a similar point of view. In the field of history, synoptic documents or evidence is crucial to deciding whether or not a figure actually existed or an event really happened. Synoptic views need not be replicas of each other, however. Textbooks that have slight variances while still holding to the basic facts often provide us with a more comprehensive understanding of the concept. This particular usage sheds light on why the word Synoptic(s) can also signify the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke found in the New Testament. Being of one accord concerning the events surrounding the life of Jesus Christ, these letters give readers a fuller picture of Christian religious history. Each of the authors of the Synoptic Gospel that bears his respective name provides a description of these events through his unique lens while emphasizing the themes he deems important. While it might seem redundant to read synoptic, or similar material, think of those times you've heard the same hilarious story over and over: you probably found something new to crack up about every time!

In addition to describing similar viewpoints, synoptic indicates comparable weather events. Meteorologists use this term to denote similar conditions that are occurring at the same time over large area. For example, a hailstorm that stretches from Michigan to Minnesota would have weather reporters citing synoptic weather patterns. Even when weather is changing, synoptic can be used to describe a map or chart that displays a complete picture of highs and lows over a whole state or country. Maybe you're not a weatherman (or woman), but a synoptic graph would likely provide you with enough information to come off like one!

Synoptic can also take on a life of its own when used as a noun to signify one or more of the Synoptic Gospels. Instead of writing out their full title, Bible scholars have been known to underscore the importance of the Synoptics in the life of the believer. The singular form, Synoptic, then denotes just one of the Gospels, such as the Gospel according to Mark or Luke. This makes it easier (and faster) to address these closely related texts in theological circles.

Example: The CEO gave a synoptic speech about the company's major strengths and weaknesses.

Example: After hearing two synoptic stories about the bear sighting, Julie decided to stay inside.

Example: If it's raining all across Virginia, then you've got a case of synoptic (and depressing!) conditions.

Example: Pastor Logan preached a sermon about the Synoptics.

Origin

Synoptic can be traced back to the Latin synopticus and Greek synoptikos meaning "providing an overall or general view." First used as a derivative of synopsis in the mid 18th century, synoptic described something that had to do with a short summary. Later, it came to signify comprehensive accounts, particularly the Synoptic Gospels, which afforded a well-rounded understanding of events given from similar viewpoints.

Derivative Words

Synoptical: This verb can be used interchangeably with the word synoptic to describe things that are similar, or that summarize given topics.

Example: The teacher gave a synoptical presentation that served as a study guide before the test.

Synoptically: This adverb is used to describe an action that is done in accord with another or in a way that outlines major elements.

Example: The twins schemed so that they could synoptically retell their story and fool their mother.

Synopsis: This noun refers to a short summary or review of material.

Example: He told his mom a synopsis of what happened that night, leaving out the part where he bought a puppy.

In Literature

From Albert M. Reese's Wanderings in the Orient:

The long voyage to or from the Orient is delightfully interrupted by the stop at Honolulu, capital of the Hawaiian Islands, about 2,100 miles southwest of San Francisco. This interesting group of volcanic islands named in 1778 by their discoverer, Jas. Cook, the Sandwich Islands after the Earl of Sandwich, then Lord of the British Admiralty, is said to be the most isolated group of inhabited islands in the world…At the Bishop Museum the natural history, ethnology, etc., of the islands may be studied in a synoptic form.

Reese gives an overview of the history and geography of Hawaii. He encounters the Bishop Museum in Honolulu, which gives visitors a summarized, or synoptic, view of each of the unique islands.

In Pop Culture

From BBC's Camera seeks dark energy clues:

California scientists have given details of a telescope they are assembling to study "dark energy." The Large Synoptic Survey Telescope is being purpose-built to discover more about the force that is accelerating the expansion of the Universe. The LSST will study 20 billion galaxies in order to calculate the recession rate through cosmic time.

Here, we read reports of one of the most extensive (and expensive) telescopes ever invented. Scientists named it the Synoptic Telescope because its lens gives them a sweeping view of the sky, summarizing a huge swath of cosmic time and space.

Mnemonic

You'd have optic problems if your eyes weren't synoptic!
Brush up on a topic: read something synoptic.