The word "cuts away" is spelled with the phonetic transcription /kʌts əˈweɪ/. The first syllable "cut" has the vowel sound /ʌ/, which is a short and neutral sound. The "s" sound is represented by the letter "s", and the "t" sound is represented by the letter "t". The second syllable "a" has the vowel sound /ə/, which is an unstressed and neutral sound. The "w" sound is represented by the letters "w", and the "ay" diphthong is represented by the letters "a" and "y".
Cuts away refers to the act of removing or eliminating certain parts or sections of something, typically through a deliberate and precise cutting action. The term often implies the removal of unnecessary or unwanted parts to streamline or improve the overall quality or functionality of the subject.
In cinematography and video editing, cuts away is a technique used to transition from one shot or scene to another by momentarily diverting the viewer's attention to a different subject or object. This technique is commonly employed to create a visual break or to intensify the focus on a specific element or detail. It involves quickly and momentarily shifting the camera's or editor's attention from the primary subject to an ancillary aspect before moving on to the subsequent shot or scene.
This technique is frequently used in action sequences, suspenseful scenes, or to emphasize reactions, emotions, or key elements within a narrative. Cuts away may also serve as a means to control pacing, add variety, or create tension in a visual narrative.
Cuts away can also be used figuratively to describe the act of eliminating distractions, superfluous content, or irrelevant information in various contexts, such as writing, presentations, or design. By cutting away unnecessary elements, the focus is redirected onto the most important and essential aspects, resulting in greater clarity, impact, and a more refined end product.
The etymology of the phrase "cuts away" can be understood by examining the roots of each term separately.
1. "Cut" - The word "cut" originates from the Old English word "cyttan", which means "to cut". This term can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "kutjanan", and further to the Proto-Indo-European root "*keud-", meaning "to split" or "to strike". Over time, the meaning of "cut" expanded to encompass various actions involving dividing or severing.
2. "Away" - The word "away" comes from the Old English term "onweg", which evolves from "onweges", meaning "from this". It can be broken down further to "on-" (indicates the sense of motion) and "weg" (path, road).