excerpt

An excerpt is a short passage taken from a larger work, such as a book, article, film, or speech. It is selected to illustrate, analyze, or promote the original work. The term derives from Latin excerpere, through Middle French extrait, literally meaning something cut out.

Excerpts are used in many contexts: scholarly analysis often includes brief passages to support a point; publishers release excerpts to promote forthcoming titles; teachers assign excerpts for study. In film and audio, an excerpt may be a short clip.

An excerpt differs from a quotation and an abstract. A quotation is a verbatim snippet; an abstract summarizes a work's content. An excerpt is a chosen passage that may be quoted and/or analyzed.

Copyright considerations: Excerpts may be subject to copyright. Using longer excerpts or for commercial purposes may require permission; shorter, noncommercial uses may fall under fair dealing or fair use depending on jurisdiction.

In digital and publishing contexts, excerpts appear in catalogs, databases, previews, and search results. They help readers decide whether to obtain the full work and are often used in marketing, reviews, and educational materials.

Related terms include quotation, extract, abstract, and synopsis.