Part of Speech

Noun, Verb

Pronunciation

/klɪp/

Definitions

• Noun: A small metal or plastic device used for holding things together, such as papers or hair.
• Verb: To cut or trim something, especially quickly or sharply.
• Noun: A short extract from a movie, television show, or radio program.
• Verb: To move or travel quickly.

Usage Examples

• "She used a paper clip to hold the documents together."
• "He clipped the branches of the tree to shape it."
• "I saw a clip from the new movie in the news."
• "The car was moving at a fast clip on the highway."

Etymology

Originating from Middle English 'clippen,' meaning 'to strike or cut.' The word 'clip' as a noun referring to a fastening device emerged in the 19th century. The verb form, referring to cutting or trimming, comes from the same root.

Synonyms

• Fasten
• Attach
• Trim
• Cut
• Snip

Antonyms

• Unfasten
• Detach
• Expand
• Extend

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• American English: /klɪp/
• British English: /klɪp/
• Australian English: /klɪp/

Historical Usage

The term 'clip' has been used in various contexts for centuries, with its origins rooted in the idea of cutting or trimming. As technology advanced, the meaning expanded to include short segments of video or audio, as well as devices used to hold objects together. The use of the word in its modern sense of digital media has grown significantly in the 20th century with the rise of film and television.

Cultural Nuances

In modern times, 'clip' is frequently associated with short, shareable video content, especially in social media contexts. A 'viral clip' often refers to a short video that spreads rapidly across the internet. Additionally, in the context of music, a 'clip' may refer to a brief portion of a song, often used in promotional or social media content.

More Information

Over the years, the word 'clip' has evolved to cover a wide range of meanings and uses. In modern technology, clips refer to short video segments, often used in digital media such as social media, news outlets, and video-sharing platforms. A clip may refer to a brief section of a larger piece of media or an isolated piece of content intended for entertainment or informational purposes. While 'clip' can still refer to a physical object like a paper clip, its broader uses in the digital world have made it a versatile term in modern vocabulary.