zarysie

Zarysie is the locative singular form of the Polish noun zarys, which means outline, sketch, or rough summary. It is most often encountered in the fixed expression w zarysie, meaning in outline or in broad terms. The word signals that a description is concise and non-detailed, providing a general framework rather than a full account.

Etymology and meaning: zarys derives from the verb rysować, to draw, and historically referred to a drawn or rough depiction. The locative form zarysie is used after prepositions such as w, na, or przy to place the outline within a given context, for example in scholarly or narrative prose: W zarysie omówiono najważniejsze etapy konfliktu. This usage emphasizes an introductory or preparatory overview.

Usage and style: Zarysie is a formal term common in academic, encyclopedic, or editorial writing. It appears in journal articles, textbooks, and monographs when authors wish to present a concise survey before proceeding to detail. In titles, the noun zarys is more typical (for example Zarys historii Polski), while zarysie appears primarily within sentences as part of a phrase describing the nature of the overview.

Alternative translations: In English, the expression is usually rendered as “in outline,” “in broad terms,” or “in summary.” The nuance is that the information is provisional or schematic, not a complete treatment.

See also: zarys, outline, Polish language.