snippet - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
snippet Word Meanings
- a small portion of something, often text or audio
- a brief excerpt or summary
snippet Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
snippet Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈsnɪp.ɪt/
US
/ˈsnɪp.ɪt/
snippet Word Etymology
Root decomposition: 'snip' (to cut) + '-et' (diminutive). Historical origin: Middle English 'snip' from Old French 'esniper'. Memory image: Imagine a pair of scissors cutting a small piece of paper, creating a tiny snippet of information.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
A snippet is a small piece of information, often text or audio, taken from a larger work. You might see a code snippet in a programming tutorial, a news snippet on a TV program, or a search result showing a snippet of text. The word implies compactness and relevance: a bite-sized sample that helps you decide whether to read or listen further. In everyday English, you can refer to a brief excerpt from a book, a social media quote, or a summary snippet of findings. Remember that snippet suggests something smaller than the whole, yet informative enough to stand alone.
Usage Reminders
- Use snippet to illustrate a point without giving away the whole text.
- Don't confuse snippet with the full piece.
- Snippets are useful in tutorials, examples, and previews.
- Check the context to know what the snippet is sampling.
- When in doubt, quote the snippet to show it's a direct fragment.
Common Misconceptions
- A snippet is not the full article or source.
- Snippets are not always tiny; some can be longer but still brief.
- A summary is not the same as a snippet, though both are concise.
- Code snippets may require a proper environment to run.
- Snippets are not memes or captions; they are extracted text or audio.
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker that 'snippet' emphasizes a small, relevant portion; learners often think it means a random fragment or a full summary, which it's not.
Learning Tips
- Practice by finding snippets in articles and tech docs
- Note what the snippet leaves out and why
- Use quotes when citing a snippet to show it's a direct excerpt
- Compare a snippet with the full text to see context
- Create your own sentences using snippet in different topics
- Look for code snippets and try running them in a safe environment
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'snippet'?
A.A detailed report.
B.A complete novel.
C.A short portion or extract from a text.
D.An abstract concept.
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'snippet' correctly?
A.The artist painted a snippet of the landscape.
B.I enjoyed the movie snippet for dinner.
C.He provided a snippet of his life story during the interview.
D.She wrote a snippet of her recipe for the cake.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'snippet'?
A.Manual
B.Volume
C.Excerpt
D.Chronicle
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'snippet'?
A.Fragment
B.Whole
C.Piece
D.Section
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context involving a snippet?
A.A brief quote from an article that inspired you.
B.A long book can be summarized easily.
C.A recipe that takes hours to prepare.
D.A comprehensive report about climate change.
Related Listening
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