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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Cut: Meanings, Examples, and Common Uses Explained (3 meaning)

Meaning 1：slice (cut)

cut 🔊

/kʌt/

v. & n.

To use a sharp tool like a knife or scissors to separate or open something.

Hand slicing bread with knife on cutting board, cut action

slice 🔊

➕

/slaɪs/

v. & n.

To divide or open something by using a blade or scissors.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Originates from Old English 'cyttan', Germanic, akin to German 'schneiden'.

💡 Mnemonic

Imagine a pair of scissors going 'cut, cut' as you separate paper. The sound matches the action.

📖 Example

She carefully cut the birthday cake into equal slices for all her friends. 🔊 She carefully cut the birthday cake into equal slices for all her friends.

🔗 Collocations

cut bread – to slice bread

cut paper – to divide paper with scissors

cut meat – to sever meat with a knife

🔄 Synonyms

slice (v.) – to cut into thin pieces

sever (v.) – to cut off completely

chop (v.) – to cut into pieces with heavy blows

🚫 Antonyms

join (v.) – to bring together

attach (v.) – to fasten

mend (v.) – to repair

🌱 Derivatives

cutter (n.) – a tool or person that cuts

cutting (adj.) – able to cut

cutout (n.) – a shape cut from something

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'cut' dates back to the 13th century, possibly from Norse 'kuta'. It became prominent in English for its broad use in cooking, surgery, and finance. No mythical origin.

Meaning 2：reduce (cut)

cut 🔊

/kʌt/

v. & n.

To make something smaller in amount, size, price, or time.

reduce 🔊

➕

/rɪˈdjuːs/

v. & n.

To decrease the level, quantity, or duration of something.

📁 Category：Social Economy 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

The company decided to cut its spending on advertising to save money. 🔊 The company decided to reduce its spending on advertising to save money.

🔗 Collocations

cut costs – reduce expenses

cut time – shorten the duration

cut prices – lower the prices

🔄 Synonyms

reduce (v.) – to make smaller in amount

trim (v.) – to cut off excess to reduce size

lower (v.) – to decrease in value or amount

🚫 Antonyms

increase (v.) – to make larger in amount

raise (v.) – to lift up or increase

expand (v.) – to enlarge in scope

🌱 Derivatives

cutback (n.) – a reduction

cutoff (n.) – a point of termination

cost-cutting (adj.) – aimed at reducing expenses

Meaning 3：wound (cut)

cut 🔊

/kʌt/

v. & n.

An opening in your skin made by something sharp.

Close-up of finger with small cut and bandage applied

wound 🔊

➕

/wuːnd/

v. & n.

An injury to the skin where it is broken or torn by a sharp object.

📁 Category：Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level：beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

He got a small cut on his finger while opening a cardboard box. 🔊 He got a small wound on his finger while opening a cardboard box.

🔗 Collocations

deep cut – a severe wound extending into tissues

paper cut – a small cut from the edge of paper

cut on the finger – a wound located on a finger

🔄 Synonyms

gash (n.) – a long deep cut

nick (n.) – a small shallow cut

laceration (n.) – a torn jagged wound

🚫 Antonyms

heal (v.) – to recover from a wound

closure (n.) – the process of a wound closing

intact (adj.) – not damaged