Part of Speech

Noun, Verb

Pronunciation

/ˈɛkˌsɜːrpt/

Definitions

• Excerpt (noun): A short extract or passage from a larger work, such as a book, article, speech, or film.
• Excerpt (verb): To take or select a portion of a larger work and present it separately.

Usage Examples

• "The author read an excerpt from her latest novel during the interview."
• "He excerpted a quote from the article to support his argument."
• "The teacher provided an excerpt from Shakespeare's play to analyze the use of language."

Etymology

The word "excerpt" comes from the Latin word "excerptum," meaning "a selection," from the verb "excerpere," which means "to pluck out" or "to select." It has been used in English since the 15th century to refer to a portion of a larger work.

Synonyms

• Extract
• Passage
• Clip
• Section
• Fragment

Antonyms

• Whole
• Entirety
• Complete work
• Full text

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In American English: /ˈɛkˌsɜːrpt/
• In British English: /ˈɛksɜːpt/
• In Australian English: /ˈɛkˌsɜːrpt/

Historical Usage

The word "excerpt" has been used since the 15th century to denote a part of a larger text. Originally from Latin, it was primarily used in scholarly and literary contexts, particularly in the fields of law, philosophy, and religious texts. The act of excerpting allowed authors and speakers to isolate key ideas or passages for further examination or discussion.

Cultural Nuances

The concept of excerpting is often utilized in academic, literary, and media contexts. In many cultures, the ability to extract relevant or impactful portions of a work demonstrates both critical thinking and an understanding of the larger context. In media, for example, excerpts are often used to highlight key moments from interviews, speeches, or films to convey the most important or compelling parts of the material.

More Information

Excerpting is a common practice in literature, academia, journalism, and law. The ability to select important passages from a larger body of work is essential for presenting arguments, summarizing ideas, or illustrating specific points. The use of excerpts also plays a role in the dissemination of knowledge, allowing readers or listeners to engage with key ideas without needing to consume the entire work.