cutting
B1Neutral
Definition
Meaning
The act of using a sharp tool (like scissors or a knife) to divide, shape, or remove part of something.
A piece cut from something (e.g., a plant, a newspaper). Also used figuratively for sharp, critical, or advanced (as in 'cutting-edge').
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Highly polysemous: can function as a noun, adjective, and (rarely) adverb. The noun form encompasses both the action and the result of that action.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
As a noun, in BrE 'cutting' commonly refers to a passage dug through high ground for a road or railway (US: 'cut'). In gardening, 'plant cutting' is standard in both.
Connotations
The adjective 'cutting' (remark) is equally strong in both varieties, implying hurtful sharpness. 'Cutting-edge' is positive in both.
Frequency
The noun for a newspaper clipping is 'cutting' (BrE) vs. 'clipping' (AmE). The BrE railway 'cutting' is not used in AmE.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[N] cutting of [N][ADJ] cutting [N]be cutting [PREP]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “cutting corners”
- “cutting it fine”
- “cutting edge”
- “a cutting remark”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Often used in the context of 'cost-cutting' or 'cutting-edge technology'.
Academic
Used in biology ('stem cutting'), geology ('rock cutting'), and figuratively in literary criticism ('cutting analysis').
Everyday
Most common for gardening, crafts, cooking, and describing harsh criticism.
Technical
In film editing ('cutting room'), manufacturing ('laser cutting'), and horticulture ('propagation by cutting').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She was cutting the hedge when it started to rain.
- The government is cutting spending on public services.
American English
- He's cutting the lawn this afternoon.
- The studio is cutting several scenes from the film.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Be careful when you are cutting bread with that knife.
- I took a cutting from my rose plant to grow a new one.
- The company announced major job cuttings due to the economic crisis.
- She made a cutting remark about his presentation skills.
- The film's director spent months in the cutting room perfecting the final edit.
- Archaeologists found the tool in a cutting made for the new pipeline.
- His analysis was incisive and cutting, leaving no room for counter-argument.
- The firm's research is genuinely cutting-edge, putting them years ahead of rivals.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a chef CUTTING vegetables on a board; the -ING makes it the action or the piece that results.
Conceptual Metaphor
CRITICISM IS A SHARP INSTRUMENT (e.g., 'His words were cutting'). PROGRESS IS FORWARD MOTION ('cutting-edge' implies being at the front).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'cut' as a noun (BrE 'cutting' for railway ≠ Russian порез).
- The adjective 'cutting' (резкий) is often overused; consider 'scathing', 'biting', or 'harsh'.
- Avoid calquing 'cutting' for 'cut' in film editing; use 'edit'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'cutting' as a continuous verb form incorrectly (e.g., 'I am cutting the tree' is fine, but 'The price is cutting' is wrong).
- Confusing 'cutting' (adj) with 'cuting' (misspelling).
- Using 'cutting' for a small wound (use 'cut' or 'laceration').
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'cutting' be LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'A cut' usually refers to the result on the object being divided (e.g., a cut on your hand, a cut of meat) or the act itself informally. 'A cutting' typically refers to a piece that has been cut *off* (plant cutting, newspaper cutting) or a man-made trench (BrE).
Yes, 'cutting' is the present participle/gerund of the verb 'cut' (e.g., 'Stop cutting the paper!'). In the dictionary entry, it is primarily treated as a noun and adjective derived from that verb.
Yes, it is exclusively positive, describing technology or ideas that are the most advanced and innovative available.
Yes, when used as a compound adjective before a noun (e.g., 'cost-cutting measures'). When used as a noun, it can be written with a hyphen ('cost-cutting') or as two words ('cost cutting'), though the hyphenated form is common.