Reading Theme:

Language:

Font Size:

📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Clip Word Meaning, Usage & Examples (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：fastening device (clip)

clip 🔊

/klɪp/

A small object used to hold things together or in place.

Clip as a fastener holding papers together on a wooden desk

fastening device 🔊

➕

ˈfæsənɪŋ dɪˈvaɪs

A clip is a small device, typically made of metal or plastic, designed to hold items together or secure them in a specific position by applying pressure.

📁 Category：Objects & Materials 🔖 Level：初级

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

The word originates from Old English 'clyppan', meaning 'to embrace or clasp'. This sense of holding something closely evolved into the modern meanings related to fastening and cutting short.

💡 Mnemonic

Imagine the sound of scissors going *clip, clip* as they cut a piece of paper. This sound is short and sharp, just like a video clip or the action of a paper clip closing.

📖 Example

The teacher used a clip to hold all the homework papers together neatly. 🔊 The teacher used a clip to hold all the homework papers together neatly.

🔗 Collocations

paper clip – A simple bent wire fastener for holding sheets of paper together.

binder clip – A larger clip with folding handles used to clamp together a thick stack of papers.

hair clip – A decorative or functional clip used to hold hair in place.

🔄 Synonyms

clamp (n.) – A device, often with a screw mechanism, used to hold objects tightly together.

fastener (n.) – A general term for any device that secures or closes something, such as a clip, button, or zipper.

🌱 Derivatives

clipboard (n.) – A small board with a clip at the top for holding papers, often used while writing or presenting.

clipper (n.) – A tool or device for cutting or trimming, such as nail clippers or hedge clippers.

📖 Cultural Story

The word's journey from 'embrace' to a fastening device reflects a practical shift in meaning. A notable cultural application is in journalism and media. Before digital editing, physical film strips were literally cut into 'clips' for newsreels. This term was then carried over to describe any short segment of audio or video, cementing its place in broadcasting and later, digital content creation.

Meaning 2：short video segment (clip)

clip 🔊

/klɪp/

A short piece taken from a film, video, or broadcast.

Video clip example paused on a computer screen showing people dancing

short video segment 🔊

➕

ʃɔːrt ˈvɪdioʊ ˈsɛɡmənt

A clip refers to a brief excerpt or segment taken from a longer piece of moving visual media, such as a film, television show, or live broadcast.

📁 Category：Entertainment & Sports 🔖 Level：初级

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

We watched a funny clip from the new comedy show during our lunch break. 🔊 We watched a funny clip from the new comedy show during our lunch break.

🔗 Collocations

video clip – A short digital video file, often shared online.

movie clip – A short segment extracted from a full-length film.

news clip – A short segment of a news broadcast, often covering a single story.

🔄 Synonyms

excerpt (n.) – A short extract from a film, broadcast, or piece of music or writing.

snippet (n.) – A small piece or brief extract from something, often text or conversation, but can apply to media.

🚫 Antonyms

full version (n.) – The complete, unedited piece of media from which a clip is taken.

🌱 Derivatives

clip art (n.) – Pre-made images and illustrations used in digital documents and presentations.