Excerpts Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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excerpts
[ˈɛksəːpt ]
Definition
literature
Short extracts from a film, broadcast, or piece of music or writing.
Synonyms
passages, quotations, snippets.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| excerpts |
When referring to specific parts taken from a longer text, often used in academic or formal contexts.
|
| passages |
When discussing sections of text, especially in literature or long written works like novels or essays.
|
| quotations |
Used when referring to the exact words taken from someone else's spoken or written material, often to support an idea or argument.
|
| snippets |
Necessary for short pieces or fragments of information, conversations, or text, usually informal or casual.
|
Examples of usage
- Here are a few excerpts from his latest novel.
- She read some excerpts from the play.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Excerpts are commonly used in literature classes to analyze themes or styles without reading an entire novel.
- Famous authors often share excerpts from their works in interviews, allowing readers to get a taste of their writing before the full publication.
- Anthologies frequently compile excerpts from various authors, showcasing different voices and styles within a particular theme.
Education
- Excerpts are used in academic settings to help students focus on key concepts without being overwhelmed by the whole text.
- They are often featured in standardized tests, allowing students to demonstrate comprehension of short selections.
- Teachers might assign excerpts for homework, encouraging discussions about the context and implications of the original work.
Media and Publishing
- Publishers often release excerpts from upcoming books as a marketing strategy to generate interest before the official release.
- Excerpts can appear in literary journals or magazines as a way for new authors to gain exposure.
- In the digital age, blogs and online platforms frequently share excerpts to attract clicks and direct readers to purchase the complete work.
Psychology
- Cognitive studies show that reading excerpts can help improve memory retention by focusing on distinct parts.
- Students often remember critical ideas better when they engage with excerpts rather than more extensive texts.
- Analyzing excerpts allows readers to practice skills of inference and interpretation, fostering deeper understanding.
Origin of 'excerpts'
Main points about word origin
- The word originates from the Latin word 'excerptum', meaning 'to take out' or 'picked out'.
- It became part of the English language in the late 16th century, demonstrating the influence of classical languages on English vocabulary.
- The prefix 'ex-' in the word indicates removal or extraction, which is fitting for how excerpts are used.
The word 'excerpts' originated from the Latin word 'excerptus', which means 'a plucking out, selection'. It has been used in English since the 17th century to refer to short extracts or passages taken from a larger piece of work, such as a book, film, or music.
See also: excerpt.