Clips Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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clips

[klɪps ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

video editing

Short segments of a video or film, typically lasting only a few seconds to a few minutes. Clips are often used to create montages or highlight specific moments.

Synonyms

excerpts, segments, snippets.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
clips

Commonly used to describe short segments of video or audio, often from a longer piece. Typically used in casual or media contexts.

  • I watched some funny clips on YouTube
  • The news showed clips from the President's speech
segments

Refers to larger parts of a whole, often used in the context of dividing a program, discussion, or process into different sections. Used in formal and informational contexts.

  • The TV show has several segments, including interviews and cooking tips
  • The project was divided into several key segments
snippets

Indicates small fragments or extracts, usually brief and often used informally to describe pieces of conversation, text, or code. Can imply a sense of casualness or lack of completeness.

  • I heard snippets of their conversation while passing by
  • The developer shared code snippets on the forum
excerpts

Used to refer to small portions of text, music, or speech taken from a longer work, often for the purpose of analysis, review, or presentation. Common in academic and literary contexts.

  • This book includes excerpts from famous speeches
  • The article had an excerpt from the newly published novel

Examples of usage

  • A compilation of funny clips from various TV shows went viral on social media.
  • She shared a clip of her vacation to Greece on her Instagram story.
Context #2 | Noun

fastening objects together

A device used to hold things together or attach them to something else, typically made of metal or plastic. Clips are commonly used for securing papers, clothes, or hair.

Synonyms

clamp, fastener, peg.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
clips

Use 'clips' to refer to small objects used to hold papers together or to attach items temporarily. They are often used in offices and schools.

  • She used paper clips to hold the documents together.
  • Hair clips help keep her hair in place.
clamp

Use 'clamp' when referring to a device used to hold or secure objects tightly together, typically in construction or woodworking.

  • He used a clamp to hold the pieces of wood while the glue dried.
  • The technician used a metal clamp to secure the cable.
fastener

Use 'fastener' when speaking generally about a hardware device that mechanically joins or affixes two or more objects. It is a broad term that can include screws, bolts, nails, etc.

  • You need a strong fastener to keep these boards together.
  • The jacket has a simple fastener to close it.
peg

Use 'peg' to talk about a small pin or bolt of wood or metal used to fasten parts together or to hang things. It is also commonly used for hanging clothes.

  • Hang your coat on that peg.
  • He used a wooden peg to hang the picture frame on the wall.

Examples of usage

  • She used a clip to hold her hair up while she was cooking.
  • He attached the papers together with a metal clip.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Technology

  • In digital media, clips are essential for creating highlights, trailers, or summaries from longer videos, making it easier to digest content.
  • Clip art became popular in the late 20th century, offering ready-made illustrations for anyone to use in their projects.
  • Video clips can be shared instantly through social media platforms, allowing creative expression and engagement among users.

Pop Culture

  • Short video clips have drastically transformed how we consume entertainment, especially on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
  • Popular talk shows often utilize clips from previous episodes to recap or highlight funny moments, creating ongoing conversation around them.
  • Music clips are crucial for artists to promote their songs, with music videos often becoming iconic parts of pop culture.

Education

  • Educational clips can simplify complex topics, making it easier for students to understand subjects through visual aids.
  • Many online courses utilize short clips to provide concise lessons, catering to the increasingly fast-paced learning environment.
  • Teachers often create clips of lessons for students to review at home, enhancing their learning experience.

Psychology

  • Research shows that shorter clips can enhance memory retention better than longer, unbroken content due to the chunking effect.
  • Clips can evoke emotional responses effectively, as they often highlight key moments that resonate with the audience.
  • Repetition of quick clips helps in reinforcing learning, a technique commonly used in advertising and educational videos.

Origin of 'clips'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'clip' originated in the Old English term 'clipian,' meaning to 'fasten' or 'bind.'
  • Originally, the term referred to keeping things together, which has evolved into its use in media.
  • In the 19th century, 'clip' began to be associated with the act of cutting, such as clips of hair or paper.

The word 'clips' originated from Old English 'clyppan' meaning 'embrace, clasp'. Over time, it evolved to refer to fastening objects together or cutting segments from films. The modern usage of 'clips' in video editing became popular with the rise of social media platforms.


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

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,855, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.