cut
- 01 A1 Beginner
v.to use a knife, scissors, or another sharp tool to open, divide, or remove something.
v.to penetrate or divide a surface or object using a sharp-edged instrument. Transitive in most physical contexts.
Simple“She used a sharp knife to cut the bread into thick slices.”
In context“The surgeon carefully cut through the outer layer of tissue to reach the damaged ligament.”
- 02 A2 Elementary
v.to make something smaller in size, amount, or number.
v.to decrease the quantity, size, or intensity of something. Often used in economic or administrative contexts.
Simple“The company had to cut prices to attract more customers.”
In context“The government announced plans to cut public spending by ten percent over the next fiscal year.”
- 03 B1 Intermediate
v.to take out a part of a story, film, or piece of writing.
v.to remove specific segments from a creative work during the editing process; in computing, to remove data and store it on the clipboard.
Simple“The director decided to cut the final scene because the movie was too long.”
In context“You can cut the selected text and paste it into a new document to reorganise your notes.”
- 04 C1 Advanced
v.to pretend you do not see or know someone you meet.
v.to intentionally ignore or snub a person in a social setting. Often implies a deliberate act of social rejection.
Simple“She felt hurt when her former friend cut her at the party.”
In context“In Victorian society, to cut an acquaintance in public was considered a severe social reprimand.”
Antonyms - 05 C1 Advanced
v.to mix a substance with something else to make it weaker or cheaper.
v.to adulterate or dilute a substance, typically a drug or liquid, to increase its volume or decrease its potency.
Simple“The juice was cut with water to make it last longer for the kids.”
In context“Forensic analysis revealed that the illegal substances had been cut with various household powders to increase profit margins.”
Antonyms - 06 A2 Elementary
n.an opening in the skin made by something sharp.
n.an injury involving a narrow opening in the skin or flesh.
Simple“He got a small cut on his finger while peeling the potatoes.”
In context“The nurse cleaned the deep cut on his arm before applying several stitches to close the wound.”
- 07 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a part of something, like a share of money or profits.
n.a share or percentage of a total amount, typically referring to profits or earnings.
Simple“The agent takes a ten percent cut of everything the actor earns.”
In context“After the successful heist, each member of the crew demanded their fair cut of the proceeds.”
Synonyms - 08 B1 Intermediate
n.a decrease in the amount or level of something.
n.an act of reducing the amount, number, or size of something. Often used in the plural for financial contexts.
Simple“The workers were angry about the proposed cut in their pay.”
In context“Significant budget cuts have forced the university to cancel several elective courses this semester.”
- 09 B1 Intermediate
n.the way something is shaped or styled, like hair or clothes.
n.the style or fashion in which a garment or hair is shaped or tailored.
Simple“I really like the cut of that jacket; it fits you perfectly.”
In context“The tailor explained that the specific cut of the suit was designed to broaden the appearance of the shoulders.”
- 10 C1 Advanced
adj.having muscles that are very easy to see because there is little body fat.
adj.possessing highly defined musculature with minimal subcutaneous fat. Common in bodybuilding contexts.
Simple“He spent months in the gym to get cut for the summer.”
In context“The athlete appeared incredibly cut on stage, with every muscle group clearly visible under the bright lights.”
Usage cut back · cut power · cut the number