brief excerpt crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for solutions to the crossword clue "brief excerpt", you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle efficiently.
Solutions for "brief excerpt crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
CLIP: A short extract from a film, television program, or sound recording.
5 Letters
QUOTE: A passage or expression from a book, speech, or the like, often cited as an example or in support of an argument.
6 Letters
DIGEST: A compilation or summary of information, often a condensed version of a longer text.
7 Letters
SNIPPET: A small piece or brief extract, often from a larger whole, such as text, music, or conversation.
8 Letters
ABSTRACT: A summary of the contents of a book, article, or formal speech, often appearing at the beginning.
More About "brief excerpt crossword clue"
The clue "brief excerpt" is a classic example of how crosswords use synonyms and general terms to create challenging yet solvable puzzles. An excerpt is, by definition, a part taken from a larger work, and 'brief' simply specifies its length. This opens the door to a wide range of words that describe short pieces of various media, from written text to audio and video.
Understanding the nuances between terms like 'snippet', 'quote', and 'clip' can be crucial. While a 'quote' typically refers to spoken or written words attributed to someone, a 'snippet' can be any small piece of something. A 'clip' usually implies an audio or visual segment. Crossword setters leverage these subtle differences, often relying on intersecting letters to guide solvers to the precise answer they're looking for.
Keep in mind that common usage and popular culture can also influence which answer is correct. For instance, 'blurb' is another possibility if the excerpt refers specifically to a promotional text on a book jacket. Always consider the context of the puzzle as a whole.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always verify the number of letters in the answer box. This is your most powerful tool for narrowing down possibilities for ambiguous clues like "brief excerpt".
- Look at Intersecting Clues: The letters revealed by other, simpler clues are invaluable. They can immediately rule out many potential answers and confirm the correct one.
- Consider the Source: Sometimes, the theme of the crossword or the specific publication can hint at the type of excerpt. Is it a literary puzzle? A music-themed one?
- Think Broadly and Narrowly: For a clue like "brief excerpt," brainstorm all general synonyms first, then try to think of more specific terms if the letter count or intersecting letters don't fit.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do 'brief excerpt' crossword clues often have multiple answers?
Clues like 'brief excerpt' are broad and can refer to various forms of short content, from text to audio-visual. Many words such as SNIPPET, QUOTE, CLIP, or DIGEST fit this general description, depending on the specific context implied by the puzzle's theme or intersecting letters.
How can I narrow down the correct answer for 'brief excerpt' in a crossword?
The best way to narrow down the answer is by using the number of letters required and any intersecting letters from other clues. Also, consider the puzzle's overall theme or the setter's style; some setters prefer more literal answers, while others might use more nuanced synonyms.
What's the difference between a 'snippet' and a 'quote' in crossword context?
While both are brief excerpts, a 'quote' specifically implies spoken or written words from someone, often cited directly. A 'snippet' is a more general term for a small piece of something, which could be text, audio, or code, not necessarily attributed.