Words / C1

EKS-urpt/ˈeksɜːpt/

An excerpt is a short piece taken from a longer text, film, or piece of music: an excerpt from chapter two, film excerpts. Extract is a close synonym (also a verb: extract a passage); quotation is usually shorter and attributed; clip is informal for film and audio. Excerpt can also be a verb. In speech, a short extract or a clip is enough. An excerpt is a sample, not the whole work. Do not call a paraphrase an excerpt.

Meaning

A short piece taken from a longer text, film, or piece of music.

Examples

• “Read this excerpt from chapter two.”
• “Read this excerpt from chapter two; the rest stays for homework.”
• “The documentary used excerpts of interviews, cut to a length that flattened the argument.”

Good to know

A short taken piece of a longer work. Close: extract. Everyday: a short extract / clip. Also a verb. Contrast: quotation (usually briefer); paraphrase (not an excerpt).

Near in meaning

extract

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