Clipped

/klɪpt/

adjectiveBeginner📊CommonGeneral
2 meanings2 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

Shortened; abrupt; concise.

/klɪpt/

adjectiveneutralBeginner
General

Shortened or abbreviated.

Her hair was clipped short.

💡 Simply: Imagine someone cutting off the ends of words to make them shorter. That's what 'clipped' means. Like saying 'hi' instead of 'hello' or giving short answers.

👶 For kids: Short and quick, like a short haircut!

More Examples

2

His speech was clipped and unfriendly.

How It's Used

General

"His clipped response suggested he was annoyed."

Writing

"The clipped sentences in the telegram were to the point."

2

To cut something with scissors or shears.

/klɪpt/

verbneutralBeginner
General

Past tense of 'to clip'.

She clipped the coupons from the newspaper.

💡 Simply: To cut something with scissors, like trimming your fingernails or a hedge.

👶 For kids: To cut something with scissors.

More Examples

2

He clipped the rose stems.

How It's Used

Gardening

"I clipped the hedges yesterday."

Hairdressing

"The barber clipped his hair very close."

Tip:Imagine using clippers to trim your hair or nails.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

Past tense and past participle of "clip." Derived from Middle English "clippen," meaning "to cut with shears." Ultimately related to Old English "clyppan," with Germanic roots.

The word's usage has remained consistent throughout history, mainly focusing on the act of cutting and the resulting shortness.

Memory tip

Think of a plant's branches being clipped short.

Word Origin

LanguageOld English
Original meaning

"to embrace, clasp"

clipped wingsclipped speechclipped sentences

Common misspellings

cliptcliped

Usage

30%Spoken
70%Written