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edit

v. · n.
US //ˈɛdət// UK //ˈɛdɪt// ed·it
  1. 1 to revise text or media (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to check and change a piece of writing, a video, or a photo to make it better or correct mistakes.

    to prepare written, visual, or audio material for publication or presentation by correcting, condensing, or otherwise modifying it.

    Example

    I need to edit my essay one more time before I send it to the teacher.

    Example

    The director spent several months in the studio to edit the raw footage into a coherent two-hour narrative.

  2. 2 to manage a publication (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    to be the person in charge of a newspaper, magazine, or book series.

    to serve as the editor of a periodical or a specific volume, overseeing content selection and stylistic consistency.

    Example

    She has edited the local newspaper for over twenty years.

    Example

    He was invited to edit a special collection of academic papers focusing on renewable energy transitions in developing nations.

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  1. 3 to change DNA (v.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Science

    to change the genetic code of a living thing.

    to alter the DNA sequence of an organism, typically through gene-splicing techniques.

    Example

    Scientists are learning how to edit genes to prevent certain diseases.

    Example

    The ability to precisely edit the human genome has sparked significant ethical debates within the global scientific community.

  2. 4 a change made (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a specific change you make to a document or file.

    an instance of modification or revision made to a text, digital file, or website.

    Example

    I made a few small edits to the report to fix the spelling errors.

    Example

    After reviewing the draft, the supervisor suggested several substantive edits to the methodology section of the proposal.

  3. 5 a fan video (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal Slang Internet

    a short video made by a fan that puts together many cool moments from a show or movie.

    a compilation of media clips, often highly stylised with music and visual effects, created by fans or social media users.

    Example

    She posted a tribute edit of her favourite singer on social media.

    Example

    The athlete's viral edit featured a montage of his best career goals set to a high-tempo electronic soundtrack.

Origin

Back-formation from editor, influenced by French éditer (“edit, publish”) and Latin editus.

Word family

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