Cut
/kʌt/
Definitions
5 meaningsTo penetrate or divide something with a sharp object.
/kʌt/
To penetrate with a sharp-edged instrument
He carefully cut the birthday cake.
💡 Simply: Like using scissors to snip paper, or a knife to slice a cake! Think of when you have to make a clean break with a knife or scissors.
👶 For kids: To use something sharp, like a knife or scissors, to separate something into pieces.
More Examples
The tailor cut the fabric to the correct size.
How It's Used
"She cut the vegetables into small pieces."
"The surgeon cut into the patient's skin."
To reduce the size, amount, or length of something.
/kʌt/
To reduce or shorten something
The company had to cut its prices to attract more customers.
💡 Simply: To make something smaller or shorter. Like when you edit a video and take out some parts, or when you have to reduce the amount of money you are spending.
👶 For kids: To make something smaller or shorter, like taking away part of a story.
More Examples
The teacher cut the lesson short.
How It's Used
"The editor cut several scenes from the movie."
"They had to cut the budget due to lack of funds."
To cease or interrupt an action or relationship.
/kʌt/
To stop or interrupt something
The music cut out abruptly during the concert.
💡 Simply: To stop something suddenly. Like when you hang up the phone, you are cutting the call.
👶 For kids: To stop doing something or stop a connection, like saying 'bye' to a call.
More Examples
They cut the power to the building.
He cut his ties with the organization.
How It's Used
"She cut him off mid-sentence."
"They cut ties after the argument."
A division or incision made with a sharp instrument.
/kʌt/
An act of cutting or the result of it
The chef made a precise cut in the meat.
💡 Simply: The place where you break something with a sharp object. Like when you scrape your knee and have a cut!
👶 For kids: A mark or opening made by something sharp.
More Examples
He had a small cut on his hand.
How It's Used
"He received a cut on his finger."
"Use a sharp knife for a clean cut."
A reduction or shortening of something, often in size or amount.
/kʌt/
A reduction or shortening
The newspaper reported on staff cuts at the local hospital.
💡 Simply: When you make something less. Like when you take things away to make your bag lighter.
👶 For kids: Making something smaller or taking some of it away.
More Examples
The movie had to make cuts to meet the time limit.
How It's Used
"The film director decided to make some cuts to the script."
"The company announced budget cuts."
Idioms & expressions
cut corners
To do something the easiest or cheapest way, often at the expense of quality or ethics.
"They cut corners in production, which led to poor quality."
cut it out!
To stop doing something annoying or bothersome.
"Cut it out! I'm trying to concentrate."
cut someone some slack
To not be so critical of someone; to allow someone some leeway or freedom.
"I know he made a mistake, but cut him some slack; he's new."
cut a deal
To make an agreement
"The negotiators cut a deal."
cut and dried
Something that is simple and straightforward; not needing much thought.
"The process was cut and dried, and there were no complications."
From Old English *cyttan*, *cuttian* 'to cut, to hew,' of uncertain origin. It may be related to Dutch kutten and Middle High German kutzen.
The word 'cut' has been used since Old English to describe the act of severing something. It was later used to mean reducing or shortening.
Memory tip
Imagine a knife slicing through a loaf of bread.
Word Origin
"to cut, to hew"