excerpt
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈɛk.sɜːpt/
KK: /ˈɛkˌsɜrpt/
noun
Definition
A part or section taken from a larger piece of writing, music, or film.
Example
The teacher asked us to read an excerpt from the novel for homework.
Conversation
I just read an interesting excerpt from that new novel.
Oh really? What was it about?
It described the main character's struggle in a really captivating way.
Sounds intriguing! I might need to check that book out.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
extract
fragment
passage
Antonyms
whole
entirety
complete
transitive verb
Definition
To take a part or passage from a larger piece of writing or work.
Example
The teacher asked us to excerpt a paragraph from the book for our assignment.
Tense Forms
Past: excerpted
Past Participle: excerpted
Conversation
I really liked that book we read last month.
Me too! I think we should excerpt some parts for our project.
Great idea! Which sections do you think we should excerpt?
Root Explanation
Excerpt → It is formed from "ex-" (meaning out of) and "capere" (meaning to seize or take). The word "excerpt" refers to a passage taken out of a larger work, thus seizing a part of it.
Memory Tip
Think of taking a part "out of" something larger — that's why an excerpt is a portion taken from a text.
Visually Confused Words
exert