Excerpt

An excerpt is a short extract or passage taken from a larger work, typically a piece of writing, music, or other media. This term is commonly used in academic, literary, and artistic contexts to refer to a selected section that is cited or quoted to illustrate a point, provide context, or highlight specific details. Excerpts are often used to give readers a preview of the larger work or to support a discussion.

Excerpt meaning with examples

• In her essay on modern art, she included an excerpt from a leading artist's manifesto, which encapsulated the essence of the movement. This excerpt illustrated the artist's innovative thoughts and the cultural shifts taking place during that era, giving readers insight into the foundational ideas that shaped contemporary art.
• During the lecture on classical literature, the professor read an excerpt from a famous novel, which captivated the students' attention. This passage not only demonstrated the author's unique style but also provided a vivid illustration of the characters' emotional depths and the themes being explored in the book, encouraging further discussion.
• The magazine published an excerpt from the author's upcoming memoir, offering readers a tantalizing glimpse into her life experiences. This excerpt included poignant anecdotes and reflections that resonated with the audience, inviting them to anticipate the full narrative and to connect with the author's journey on a personal level.
• At the poetry reading, the poet shared an excerpt of her work that focused on the struggle between hope and despair. The passionate delivery of this excerpt moved many in the audience to tears, highlighting the power of words to evoke deep emotions and provoke thoughts about personal and collective experiences.
• For his dissertation, he cited an excerpt from a prominent research paper that was critical to his argument. By including this excerpt, he not only provided evidence for his claims but also illustrated the broader implications of his research topic, demonstrating how his work fits into the existing academic discourse.