Brief-Debrief | Commonly Confused Words

Brief

/briːf/

Lasting for a short period of time, or using few words.

The briefest moment passes before she nods.Lothar Zogg said, 'Fusing for impact, delay as briefed.'"Gentlemen, I hold no brief for George W. Stener.

/ˌdiːˈbriːf/

A conversation or meeting to discuss and review a recent activity or event, focusing on outcomes and experiences.

Brief means to give someone information or instructions, often concisely.
Debrief is the opposite process, where you gather information and feedback after an event or activity.
Remember, brief can both be something concise and the act of informing, while debrief only refers to gathering information retrospectively.
Brief usually comes before an event to prepare, whereas debrief happens after to review.
If youre preparing someone, youre briefing them. If youre assessing outcomes, youre debriefing them.