Excerpt Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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excerpt
[ˈɛksɜːrpt ]
Definitions
literature
A short extract from a film, broadcast, or piece of music or writing.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Can you read me an excerpt from the latest bestseller?
- She performed an excerpt from the famous play at the event.
legal
A short extract from a document or record.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The lawyer presented an excerpt from the contract as evidence.
- The judge requested an excerpt from the official report.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Authors often use excerpts to attract readers, giving insight into their writing style and themes.
- In poetry, an excerpt can highlight the emotional core of a longer piece without losing its impact.
- Famous works frequently include excerpts in anthologies, allowing diverse voices to reach wider audiences.
Education
- Teachers often provide excerpts from texts to focus discussions and analyses in classrooms.
- Using excerpts can help students develop critical thinking by comparing different ideas within a work.
- Excerpts from scientific papers are crucial for students engaging with research without needing to read entire studies.
Publishing
- Publishers often release excerpts of new books to create buzz and give readers a taste of the content.
- Online platforms frequently feature excerpts to entice users to click for full articles or videos.
- Authors and literary agents sometimes use excerpts as a way to pitch books to publishers and agents.
Media
- Television shows might include excerpts from interviews or past episodes to recap events for viewers.
- In film, excerpts from soundtracks often help convey emotions in trailers, drawing audiences' attention.
- Commercials may use excerpts from popular books or songs to connect with viewers through familiar content.
Origin of 'excerpt'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'excerptus', meaning 'taken out' or 'separated'.
- It was used in English around the 14th century, showing a long history in literature.
- The early use often connected to academic writings, emphasizing its role in education.
The word 'excerpt' originated from the Latin word 'excerptus', which means 'picked out'. The term has been used in English since the late 16th century to refer to a short extract or passage taken from a larger work. Over time, 'excerpt' has become a common term in literature, journalism, legal documents, and other fields to indicate a brief selection from a text or document.
See also: excerpts.