Sure! Let’s break down the word "clipping" together.
Definition:
Clipping (noun) refers to the act of cutting something down to a smaller size or a specific shape. It can also mean a piece that has been cut out from something, like a newspaper or magazine.
Usage Instructions:
You can use "clipping" to describe physical cutting, like trimming hair or plants.
It’s also used when talking about articles or pictures that are cut from publications.
Examples:
Physical Clipping: "I need to do some clipping of the bushes in my garden."
News Clipping: "She kept a clipping from the newspaper about her favorite band."
Advanced Usage:
In a more advanced context, "clipping" can refer to the process of creating a summary or an excerpt from a larger text, like a report or an article, which can be useful in research or journalism.
Word Variants:
Clip (verb): To cut something. For example, "I will clip the paper to make it fit."
Clipped (adjective): Something that has been cut short or reduced in length. For example, "He spoke in a clipped tone."
Different Meanings:
In Linguistics: Clipping can also refer to a process where a longer word is shortened. For example, "advertisement" can be clipped to "ad."
In Gardening: Clipping might refer to trimming plants or flowers to shape them or promote growth.
Synonyms:
Cutting: The act of removing something by severing it.
Snippet: A small portion or extract from a larger text.
Trimming: Reducing or cutting down something to make it neater.
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
While "clipping" doesn’t have specific idioms or phrasal verbs associated with it, you might come across phrases like "clipping coupons," which refers to cutting out coupons from newspapers or flyers to save money when shopping.
Summary:
To sum up, "clipping" is a versatile word that can mean both cutting down to size and referring to cut-out pieces from publications. You might use it in everyday conversation about gardening or keeping track of news articles you find interesting.