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excerpt

noun

/ˈɛksəːpt/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of excerpt

A portion of a longer work, such as a book, article, or film, that is selected and presented on its own.
"The film trailer featured an exciting excerpt from the movie's climax."

Detailed meaning of excerpt

The purpose of an excerpt is to highlight a particular section or idea from the larger work and present it in a more accessible or digestible format. Excerpts may be chosen for their relevance, interest, or entertainment value, and may be used in a variety of contexts, such as in reviews, previews, or promotional materials. They may also be used for educational purposes, such as in textbooks or study guides, to help students understand and analyze a particular work. Excerpts are often identified by specific page numbers, time codes, or other markers to help readers or viewers locate the relevant section within the larger work. Overall, an excerpt provides a way to share a specific piece of content in a focused and condensed form.

Example sentences containing excerpt

1. She read an engaging excerpt from the novel at the book club.
2. The article's opening excerpt captured readers' attention.
3. The movie trailer included an exciting excerpt from the action scene.
4. His speech featured an inspiring excerpt from a famous poem.
5. The textbook included an informative excerpt on the topic.
6. The anthology showcased an intriguing excerpt from a classic play.

History and etymology of excerpt

The noun 'excerpt' has its etymological roots in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word 'excerptus,' which is the past participle of 'excipere,' meaning 'to take out' or 'to select.' The prefix 'ex-' in Latin denotes 'out of' or 'from,' and 'capere' means 'to take.' Therefore, 'excerpt' essentially means something that has been taken out or selected from a longer work, such as a book, article, or film, and is presented independently. The etymology of 'excerpt' underscores its nature as a distinct and chosen portion of a larger piece of content, often intended to convey a specific idea or capture a particular moment from the original work.

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Further usage examples of excerpt

1. The interview highlighted an interesting excerpt from the author's life.
2. The documentary shared a chilling excerpt from a historical speech.
3. The magazine published an exclusive excerpt from the celebrity's memoir.
4. The podcast played an insightful excerpt from the scientist's interview.
5. The website displayed an intriguing excerpt from the research paper.
6. The art exhibit featured an abstract excerpt from the artist's portfolio.
7. The newsletter included a helpful excerpt from the travel guide.
8. The audiobook offered an engaging excerpt of the first chapter.
9. The review quoted a humorous excerpt from the comedy show.
10. The museum displayed a rare excerpt from an ancient manuscript.
11. The advertisement showcased an enticing excerpt from the new album.
12. The seminar presented a thought-provoking excerpt from the keynote speech.
13. The theater performance included a moving excerpt from the original script.
14. The historical archive contained a fascinating excerpt from the letter.
15. She read an excerpt from the novel to her friends.
16. The article included an excerpt from the author's interview.
17. The teacher asked the students to analyze an excerpt from a historical speech.
18. He found an interesting excerpt from a scientific paper that related to his research.
19. The poetry book included an excerpt from a famous poet's work.
20. She shared an excerpt from her personal journal with her therapist.
21. The museum displayed an excerpt of a famous painting for visitors to see.
22. The textbook provided an excerpt from a court case for students to study.
23. The music festival showcased an excerpt from a new opera.
24. The travel guide included an excerpt from a traveler's diary about the local cuisine.
25. The journalist quoted an excerpt from the politician's speech in their article.