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Clipping Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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clipping

[ˈklɪpɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

word formation

The act of shortening a word by removing one or more syllables or sounds, creating a new word with the same meaning.

Synonyms

abbreviation, shortening.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
clipping

This word is used when a longer word is shortened, typically by omitting the beginning or ending. It’s often used in informal speech.

  • 'Exam' is a clipping of 'examination.'
  • 'Lab' is a clipping of 'laboratory.'
shortening

This term broadly refers to the process of making something shorter. It can be used in various contexts, including language (similar to clipping) and cooking.

  • 'Phone' is a shortening of 'telephone.'
  • Shortening the meeting time helped everyone stay focused.
abbreviation

This term is used to describe a word or phrase that has been shortened by using its initial letters. It often involves acronyms and initialisms and is common in both formal and informal contexts.

  • 'USA' is an abbreviation for 'United States of America.'
  • 'ASAP' is an abbreviation for 'as soon as possible.'

Examples of usage

  • The word 'phone' is a clipping of 'telephone'.
  • 'Ad' is a clipping of 'advertisement'.
Context #2 | Noun

hairdressing

A hairstyle that is short and close to the head, often done with clippers.

Synonyms

buzz cut, crop.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
clipping

Generally used to describe the act of cutting something to make it shorter. This can refer to hair, but also to other things like nails or plants.

  • She gave her plants a light clipping to keep them neat.
  • I need to give my dog a quick clipping before the summer heat.
crop

Commonly used to describe a short haircut, but can also be used to refer to the act of cutting something, such as the edges of a photo or a piece of fabric.

  • She opted for a stylish crop to keep her hair manageable.
  • The image was too large, so I had to crop the edges.
buzz cut

Specifically refers to a very short hairstyle achieved by using electric clippers, often associated with military personnel or low-maintenance styling.

  • He decided to get a buzz cut for the summer.
  • After joining the army, he had to get a buzz cut.

Examples of usage

  • She decided to get a clipping for the summer.
  • The barber gave him a nice clipping.
Context #3 | Noun

gardening

The act of cutting off small parts from a plant to shape or control its growth.

Synonyms

pruning, trimming.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
clipping

Typically used when you are cutting small pieces from something, like a newspaper, a coupon, or even small parts of a plant.

  • She spent the morning clipping articles from old magazines.
  • Make sure you have all the necessary coupon clippings before we go shopping.
  • Clipping the tips of the roses will help them grow better.
trimming

Generally used when you are cutting something to make it neat and tidy, such as hair, grass, or a hedge. It suggests a light, careful, and precise action.

  • He is trimming his beard in the bathroom.
  • The gardener is trimming the hedges to make them look even.
  • She’s trimming the excess fat off the meat before cooking.
pruning

Usually refers to the act of cutting away dead or overgrown branches or stems, mainly in gardening and horticulture to promote healthier plant growth. This term carries a positive connotation.

  • She spent the afternoon pruning the apple trees in the garden.
  • Pruning back the roses will encourage them to produce more blooms.
  • Pruning the unnecessary tasks from your schedule can make you more productive.

Examples of usage

  • She did some clippings on the rose bushes.
  • The clipping of the hedge made it look neat.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Linguistics

  • Common examples include 'ad' from 'advertisement' and 'gym' from 'gymnasium.'
  • Clipping can lead to the creation of new word forms that can sometimes become widely accepted.
  • Different languages also have their own forms of clipping, adapting to cultural needs.

Pop Culture

  • In popular music, artists often use clipped words or phrases to create catchy hooks in songs.
  • Movies and TV shows frequently employ clipped dialogues for quick character interactions.
  • Social media platforms have popularized the use of clipped terms, like 'brb' (be right back) and 'lol' (laugh out loud).

Psychology

  • Research shows that using clipped words can make communication feel more informal and relatable.
  • Clipping can indicate social bonds; friends often create their own shorter versions of names or phrases.
  • Language studies find that people respond positively to clipped terms, considering them friendlier.

Literature

  • Clipped words often appear in poetry and plays to create rhythm or maintain character voice.
  • Authors may purposely use clipped forms to reflect dialogue authenticity in their characters.
  • The use of clipping can create an intimate connection between characters, reflecting their relationships.

Origin of 'clipping'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'clipping' comes from the Old English word 'clipian,' which means to cut.
  • It was first used in the late 19th century specifically for the cutting of words.
  • Clipped forms often reflect everyday language changes, showing how people naturally shorten speech.

The word 'clipping' originated from the Middle English word 'clippings' which meant a piece cut off. It has been used to refer to various forms of cutting or shortening since the 14th century. The term is commonly used in linguistics to describe the process of shortening words, while in other contexts, it can refer to cutting hair or pruning plants.

See also: clip, clipper, clippers, clippings, clips.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,988, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.