Excerpting is the act of selecting and extracting a portion of a longer text or document. In terms of its spelling, "excerpting" can be broken down into three syllables: /ɛksərptɪŋ/. The first syllable, "ex-", is pronounced like "eks" and means "out of" or "from". The next syllable, "-cerpt-", is pronounced like "surpt" and relates to the act of selecting or taking something. The final syllable, "-ing", is pronounced like "ihng" and indicates that the action is ongoing. Thus, "excerpting" means continuously selecting or extracting parts of a text.
Excerpting is the act of selecting and extracting a specific portion or passage from a larger text, document, or piece of media. It involves cutting out or isolating a relevant extract that captures the essence or significant elements of the original source. This extracted section, known as an excerpt, is typically shorter in length compared to the complete work from which it is taken.
Excerpting serves various purposes. It is commonly used in academic and research settings to gather evidence or examples to support an argument or analysis. Scholars and students may extract quotations from books, articles, or speeches to cite as references, providing readers with concrete evidence to support their claims.
In journalism, excerpting plays a vital role in summarizing lengthy articles or reports and presenting the essential information in a condensed and easily digestible format. News outlets often use excerpts to highlight key points or interesting sections of interviews, press conferences, or public speeches.
Moreover, excerpting can be employed for creative purposes, such as showcasing memorable dialogues or captivating passages in literature. Authors or publishers may select enticing excerpts to promote their books or generate interest by providing a glimpse of the writing style, plot, or characters.
In the digital age, where information overload is a common occurrence, excerpting is also utilized to capture attention and engage online readers. Online platforms often display snippet previews or excerpted content to give users a preview of an article or blog post, enticing them to read further.
Overall, excerpting involves the extraction of pertinent content from a larger source for various purposes, such as support, summary, promotion, or engagement.
The word "excerpting" is derived from the noun "excerpt", which comes from the Latin word "excerpere". In Latin, "excerpere" is a combination of "ex" (meaning "out") and "carpere" (meaning "pick" or "pluck").