The 'gist' of something refers to the essential point or main idea. It's the crux, the substance, the heart of a matter stripped of unnecessary details. Understanding the gist allows one to grasp the core meaning without being bogged down in particulars.
It's about capturing the essence and communicating it succinctly. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts and implies a level of comprehension beyond a superficial understanding.
NUB SUM
MEAT CRUX PITH CORE
POINT DRIFT SENSE HEART
KERNEL UPSHOT ROUDEA BURDEN EFFECT CENTER CENTRE MARROW THRUST
PURPORT ESSENCE MEANING
MAINIDEA
SUBSTANCE
INWARDNESS
NITTYGRITTY
QUINTESSENCE HEARTANDSOUL
ROOTOFTHEMATTER