cutaway
C1Formal/Technical
Definition
Meaning
A sudden transition to a different scene in film/television, or a type of drawing/diagram showing internal structure.
Also refers to a type of coat/jacket with tapered front, or a guitar with a contoured upper bout.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used in visual media, technical illustration, and fashion contexts. The meaning is highly domain-specific.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term similarly in technical/media contexts. 'Cutaway coat' is more common in British formalwear descriptions.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Low frequency in general discourse, moderate in specific professional domains.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
cutaway of [noun]cutaway to [noun]cutaway showing [noun]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this term”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in presentation graphics showing product internals
Academic
Used in engineering, architecture, and media studies textbooks
Everyday
Very rare in casual conversation
Technical
Common in film editing, technical illustration, musical instrument design
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The director will cut away to show the reaction.
American English
- The editor needs to cut away to the exterior shot.
adverb
British English
- The scene transitioned cutaway to the establishing shot.
American English
- The camera moved cutaway from the main action.
adjective
British English
- The cutaway diagram revealed the engine's components.
American English
- He wore a cutaway coat to the formal ceremony.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The textbook has a cutaway picture of a volcano.
- During the interview, they used a cutaway to show the product being manufactured.
- The documentary employed strategic cutaways to historical footage while maintaining narrative coherence.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine CUTting AWAY the outer surface to reveal what's inside
Conceptual Metaphor
REVEALING IS CUTTING AWAY
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid literal translation 'отрезанный путь' - use 'разрез' for diagrams, 'вставной кадр' for film
Common Mistakes
- Using as a verb (incorrect: 'They cutaway to the crowd') - should be 'They cut away to the crowd'
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'cutaway' LEAST likely be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
As a noun/adjective for diagrams or coats: one word ('cutaway'). As a verb phrase meaning to transition in film: two words ('cut away').
Yes, a 'cutaway coat' is a formal morning coat with tapered front panels, traditionally worn for weddings.
They're similar, but 'cutaway' often implies removing part to see inside while preserving context, whereas 'cross-section' shows a clean slice through.
No, it's primarily technical/professional vocabulary. Most learners encounter it in specialized contexts rather than daily conversation.