Ask Difference

Cut vs. Copy — What's the Difference?

Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 14, 2024
Cut removes the selected item from its original location, transferring it elsewhere, whereas copy creates a duplicate of the item that remains in its original place.
Cut vs. Copy — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Cut and Copy

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Key Differences

When you cut a piece of text, image, or file, it is removed from its current location and placed on the clipboard, ready to be moved to a new location. In contrast, copying leaves the original content intact and places a duplicate on the clipboard.
Cutting is typically used when you want to move data from one place to another without leaving the original behind. On the other hand, copying is used when you need to duplicate data and use it in multiple places without altering the original.
After cutting, the original content is no longer visible in its initial location until it is pasted somewhere else. Whereas, after copying, the original content remains visible and unchanged.
The cut function is often represented by a pair of scissors icon in software applications, symbolizing the removal of the section. Conversely, the copy function is usually symbolized by two overlapping papers, indicating the duplication of data.
The availability of the cut option might be restricted in certain contexts (like some read-only files or certain software applications) because it alters the original content. However, the copy function is generally always available as it does not modify the original data.
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Comparison Chart

Result on Original

Removes it
Leaves it unchanged

Icon Representation

Scissors
Two overlapping papers

Clipboard Content

Single instance, to be pasted once
Duplicate, can be pasted multiple times

Usage Context

To move data
To duplicate data

Availability

Sometimes restricted
Generally always available

Compare with Definitions

Cut

Often restricted in read-only contexts.
You cannot cut text from a PDF viewer as it is read-only.

Copy

Duplicates the selected content without removing it.
Copy the quote and use it in your essay introduction.

Cut

Activated via Ctrl+X in most software.
Press Ctrl+X to cut the selected files from your folder.

Copy

Keeps the original data intact and unchanged.
Copy the file to another directory without altering the original.

Cut

Make an opening, incision, or wound in (something) with a sharp-edged tool or object
When fruit is cut open, it goes brown
He cut his big toe on a sharp stone

Copy

Symbolized by two overlapping papers.
Click the double paper icon to copy your selection.

Cut

Remove (something) from something larger by using a sharp implement
I cut his photograph out of the paper
Some prisoners had their right hands cut off

Copy

A thing made to be similar or identical to another
The problem is telling which is the original document and which the copy

Cut

Divide into pieces with a knife or other sharp implement
He cut his food up into teeny pieces
Cut the beef into thin slices

Copy

A single specimen of a particular book, record, or other publication or issue
The record has sold more than a million copies

Cut

Make or form (something) by using a sharp tool to remove material
Workmen cut a hole in the pipe

Copy

Matter to be printed
Copy for the next issue must be submitted by the beginning of the month

Cut

Trim or reduce the length of (grass, hair, etc.) by using a sharp implement
Cut back all the year's growth to about four leaves
Ted was cutting the lawn

Copy

A blank booklet or notebook used for schoolwork
You need a stock of exercise copies, A4 refill pads, and maths copies
Examinees will not be allowed to take pens, copies, or water bottles inside the test centre

Cut

Reduce the amount or quantity of
We're looking to cut down on the use of chemicals
They've cut back on costs
Buyers will bargain hard to cut the cost of the house they want
I should cut down my sugar intake

Copy

Make a similar or identical version of; reproduce
Each form had to be copied and sent to a different department

Cut

Ignore or refuse to recognize (someone)
They cut her in public

Copy

Imitate the style or behaviour of
Lifestyles that were copied from Miami and Fifth Avenue
Art students copied from approved old masters

Cut

(of a line) cross or intersect (another line)
Mark the point where the line cuts the vertical axis

Copy

Hear or understand someone speaking on a radio transmitter
This is Edwards, do you copy, over

Cut

Stop filming or recording
‘Cut’ shouted a voice, followed by ‘Could we do it again, please?’

Copy

An imitation or reproduction of an original; a duplicate
A copy of a painting.
Made two copies of the letter.

Cut

Divide a pack of playing cards by lifting a portion from the top, either to reveal a card at random or to place the top portion under the bottom portion
Let's cut for dealer

Copy

(Computers) A file that has the same data as another file
Stored on the server a copy of every document.

Cut

Strike or kick (a ball) with an abrupt, typically downward motion
Cook cut the ball back to him

Copy

One example of a printed text, picture, film, or recording
An autographed copy of a novel.

Cut

Mix (an illegal drug) with another substance
Speed cut with rat poison

Copy

Material, such as a manuscript, that is to be set in type.

Cut

Come up to expectations; meet requirements
This CD player doesn't quite cut it

Copy

The words to be printed or spoken in an advertisement.

Cut

A stroke or blow given by a sharp-edged implement or by a whip or cane
He could skin an animal with a single cut of the knife

Copy

Suitable source material for journalism
Celebrities make good copy.

Cut

A long, narrow incision in the skin made by something sharp
Blood ran from a cut on his jaw

Copy

To make a reproduction or copy of
Copied the note letter for letter.
Copied the file to a disk.

Cut

A wounding remark or act
His unkindest cut at Elizabeth was to call her heartless

Copy

To follow as a model or pattern; imitate.

Cut

The way or style in which something, especially a garment or someone's hair, is cut
The elegant cut of his dinner jacket

Copy

To include as an additional recipient of a written communication
Please copy me when you reply to her.

Cut

To penetrate with a sharp edge; strike a narrow opening in.

Copy

To make a copy or copies.

Cut

To separate into parts with or as if with a sharp-edged instrument; sever
Cut cloth with scissors.

Copy

To admit of being copied
Colored ink that does not copy well.

Cut

To sever the edges or ends of; shorten
Cut one's hair.

Copy

To hear clearly or understand something said by radio communication
Mayday. Do you copy?.

Cut

To mow, reap, or harvest
Cut grain.
Cut grass.

Copy

The result of copying; an identical duplicate of an original.
Please bring me the copies of those reports.

Cut

To fell by sawing; hew.

Copy

An imitation, sometimes of inferior quality.
That handbag is a copy. You can tell because the buckle is different.

Cut

To have (a new tooth) grow through the gums.

Copy

(journalism) The text that is to be typeset.

Cut

To form or shape by severing or incising
A doll that was cut from paper.

Copy

(journalism) A gender-neutral abbreviation for copy boy.

Cut

To form or shape by grinding
Cut a diamond.

Copy

The output of copywriters, who are employed to write material which encourages consumers to buy goods or services.

Cut

To form by penetrating, probing, or digging
Cut a trench.

Copy

(uncountable) The text of newspaper articles.
Submit all copy to the appropriate editor.

Cut

To exhibit the appearance or give the impression of
Cuts a fine figure on the dance floor.

Copy

A school work pad.
Tim got in trouble for forgetting his maths copy.

Cut

To separate from a main body; detach
Cut a limb from a tree.

Copy

A printed edition of a book or magazine.
Have you seen the latest copy of "Newsweek" yet?
The library has several copies of the Bible.

Cut

To separate from a group
Cut a calf from a herd.

Copy

Writing paper of a particular size, called also bastard.

Cut

To discharge from a group or number
Had to cut six players from the team.

Copy

(obsolete) That which is to be imitated, transcribed, or reproduced; a pattern, model, or example.
His virtues are an excellent copy for imitation.

Cut

To pass through or across; cross
A sailboat cutting the water.

Copy

(obsolete) An abundance or plenty of anything.

Cut

(Games) To divide (a deck of cards) into two parts, as in completing a shuffle or in exposing a card at random.

Copy

(obsolete) copyhold; tenure; lease

Cut

To reduce the size, extent, or duration of; curtail or shorten
Cut a payroll.
Cut a budget.
Cut the cooking time in half.

Copy

(genetics) The result of gene or chromosomal duplication.

Cut

To remove or delete
Cut a line from a poem.

Copy

(transitive) To produce an object identical to a given object.
Please copy these reports for me.

Cut

(Computers) To remove (a segment) from a document or graphics file for storage in a buffer.

Copy

(transitive) To give or transmit a copy to (a person).
Make sure you copy me on that important memo.

Cut

To lessen the strength of; dilute
Cut whiskey with water.

Copy

To place a copy of an object in memory for later use.
First copy the files, and then paste them in another directory.

Cut

To dissolve by breaking down the fat of
Soap cuts grease.

Copy

(transitive) To imitate.
Don't copy my dance moves.
Mom, he's copying me!

Cut

To injure the feelings of; hurt keenly.

Copy

(radio) To receive a transmission successfully.
Do you copy?

Cut

To refuse to speak to or recognize; snub
Cut me dead at the party.

Copy

An abundance or plenty of anything.
She was blessed with no more copy of wit, but to serve his humor thus.

Cut

To fail to attend purposely
Cut a class.

Copy

An imitation, transcript, or reproduction of an original work; as, a copy of a letter, an engraving, a painting, or a statue.
I have not the vanity to think my copy equal to the original.

Cut

(Informal) To cease; stop
Cut the noise.
Cut an engine.

Copy

An individual book, or a single set of books containing the works of an author; as, a copy of the Bible; a copy of the works of Addison.

Cut

To strike (a ball) so that it spins in a reverse direction.

Copy

That which is to be imitated, transcribed, or reproduced; a pattern, model, or example; as, his virtues are an excellent copy for imitation.
Let him first learn to write, after a copy, all the letters.

Cut

To throw or hit (a ball) on a curving trajectory.

Copy

Manuscript or printed matter to be set up in type; as, the printers are calling for more copy.

Cut

To perform
Cut a caper.

Copy

A writing paper of a particular size. Same as Bastard. See under Paper.

Cut

To make out and issue
Cut a check to cover travel expenses.

Copy

Copyhold; tenure; lease.

Cut

To arrange or reach (an agreement).

Copy

To make a copy or copies of; to write; print, engrave, or paint after an original; to duplicate; to reproduce; to transcribe; as, to copy a manuscript, inscription, design, painting, etc.; - often with out, sometimes with off.
I like the work well; ere it be demanded(As like enough it will), I'd have it copied.
Let this be copied out,And keep it safe for our remembrance.

Cut

(Slang) To be able to manage; handle successfully
Couldn't cut the long hours anymore.

Copy

To imitate; to attempt to resemble, as in manners or course of life.
We copy instinctively the voices of our companions, their accents, and their modes of pronunciation.

Cut

To stop filming (a movie scene).

Copy

To make a copy or copies; to imitate.

Cut

To record a performance on (a phonograph record or other medium).

Copy

To yield a duplicate or transcript; as, the letter did not copy well.
Some . . . never fail, when they copy, to follow the bad as well as the good things.

Cut

To make a recording of (a song, for example).

Copy

A reproduction of a written record (e.g. of a legal or school record)

Cut

To edit (a movie or audio recording).

Copy

A secondary representation of an original;
She made a copy of the designer dress

Cut

Vulgar Slang To expel (a discharge of intestinal gas).

Copy

Matter to be printed; exclusive of graphical materials

Cut

To injure (oneself) by penetrating the skin with a sharp object.

Copy

Material suitable for a journalistic account;
Catastrophes make good copy

Cut

To make an incision or a separation
Cut along the dotted line.

Copy

Copy down as is;
The students were made to copy the alphabet over and over

Cut

To allow incision or severing
Butter cuts easily.

Copy

Reproduce someone's behavior or looks;
The mime imitated the passers-by
Children often copy their parents or older siblings

Cut

To function as a sharp-edged instrument.

Copy

Biology: reproduce or make an exact copy of;
Replicate the cell
Copy the genetic information

Cut

To remove part of something, such as a text or film.

Copy

Make a replica of;
Copy that drawing
Re-create a picture by Rembrandt

Cut

(Computers) To remove a part of a document or graphics file and store it in a buffer.

Copy

Can be used multiple times from a single action.
Copy the logo and paste it onto every page of your presentation.

Cut

To grow through the gums. Used of teeth.

Copy

Activated via Ctrl+C in most software.
Press Ctrl+C to copy the highlighted data.

Cut

To injure someone's feelings
A remark that cut without mercy.

Cut

To change direction abruptly
Cut to the left at the next intersection.

Cut

To go directly and often hastily
Cut across a field.

Cut

(Games) To divide a pack of cards into two parts, especially in order to make a chance decision or selection.

Cut

To make an abrupt transition to another segment of film, video, or audio
Cut from one shot to another.

Cut

To be very astute and penetrating
An analysis that cuts deep.

Cut

To inflict self-injury by penetrating the skin with a sharp object.

Cut

The act of cutting.

Cut

The result of cutting, especially an opening or wound made by a sharp edge.

Cut

A part that has been cut from a main body
A cut of beef.
A cut of cloth.

Cut

A passage made by digging or probing.

Cut

The elimination or removal of a part
A cut in a speech.

Cut

A reduction
A cut in salary.

Cut

(Sports) The remainder of contestants in a competition, especially in golf, after some have been eliminated
Did very well but still missed the cut.

Cut

The style in which a garment is cut
A suit of traditional cut.

Cut

A haircut.

Cut

(Informal) A portion of profits or earnings; a share.

Cut

A wounding remark; an insult.

Cut

An unexcused absence, as from school or a class.

Cut

A step in a scale of value or quality; degree
A cut above the average.

Cut

An engraved block or plate.

Cut

A print made from such a block.

Cut

A stroke that causes a ball to spin in a reverse direction.

Cut

A curve in the trajectory of a ball or puck.

Cut

(Baseball) A swing of a bat.

Cut

(Games) The act of dividing a deck of cards into two parts, as before dealing.

Cut

One of the objects used in drawing lots.

Cut

A transition between segments of film, video, or audio.

Cut

A movie at a given stage in its editing
Approved the final cut for distribution.

Cut

A single selection of music from a recording, especially a phonograph recording.

Cut

Having the ends or edges cut
Admired his newly cut hair.

Cut

Having been cut or clipped off
Cut grass that blew in the wind.

Cut

(Printing) Having the page edge slit or trimmed. Used of a book.

Cut

Ground to a specific shape
Cut gemstones.

Cut

(Slang) Circumcised. Used of a man or boy.

Cut

(transitive) To incise, to cut into the surface of something.

Cut

To perform an incision on, for example with a knife.

Cut

To divide with a knife, scissors, or another sharp instrument.
Would you please cut the cake?

Cut

To form or shape by cutting.
I have three diamonds to cut today.

Cut

(slang) To wound with a knife.

Cut

(intransitive) To engage in self-harm by making cuts in one's own skin.
The patient said she had been cutting since the age of thirteen.

Cut

To deliver a stroke with a whip or like instrument to.

Cut

To wound or hurt deeply the sensibilities of; to pierce.
Sarcasm cuts to the quick.

Cut

To castrate or geld.
To cut a horse

Cut

To interfere, as a horse; to strike one foot against the opposite foot or ankle in using the legs.

Cut

(intransitive) To admit of incision or severance; to yield to a cutting instrument.

Cut

To separate, remove, reject or reduce.

Cut

To separate or omit, in a situation where one was previously associated.
Travis was cut from the team.

Cut

To abridge or shorten a work; to remove a portion of a recording during editing.

Cut

To reduce, especially intentionally.
They're going to cut salaries by fifteen percent.

Cut

To absent oneself from (a class, an appointment, etc.).
I cut fifth period to hang out with Angela.

Cut

To ignore as a social rebuff or snub.
After the incident at the dinner party, people started to cut him on the street.

Cut

To make an abrupt transition from one scene or image to another.
The camera then cut to the woman on the front row who was clearly overcome and crying tears of joy.

Cut

To edit a film by selecting takes from original footage.

Cut

To remove (text, a picture, etc.) and place in memory in order to paste at a later time.
Select the text, cut it, and then paste it in the other application.

Cut

(intransitive) To enter a queue in the wrong place.
One student kept trying to cut in front of the line.

Cut

(intransitive) To intersect or cross in such a way as to divide in half or nearly so.
This road cuts right through downtown.

Cut

To make the ball spin sideways by running one's fingers down the side of the ball while bowling it. en

Cut

To deflect (a bowled ball) to the off, with a chopping movement of the bat.

Cut

(intransitive) To change direction suddenly.
The football player cut to his left to evade a tackle.

Cut

To divide a pack of playing cards into two.
If you cut then I'll deal.

Cut

To make or negotiate.
I'll cut a check for you.
I didn't deserve it, but he cut me a deal.

Cut

To dilute or adulterate something, especially a recreational drug.
The best malt whiskies are improved if they are cut with a dash of water.
The bartender cuts his beer to save money and now it's all watery.
Drug dealers sometimes cut cocaine with lidocaine.

Cut

(transitive) To exhibit (a quality).

Cut

(transitive) To stop, disengage, or cease.
The schoolchildren were told to cut the noise.
Cut the engines when the plane comes to a halt!

Cut

(sports) To drive (a ball) to one side, as by (in billiards or croquet) hitting it fine with another ball, or (in tennis) striking it with the racket inclined.

Cut

(bodybuilding) To lose body mass, aiming to keep muscle but lose body fat.

Cut

To perform (a dancing movement etc.).
To cut a caper

Cut

(participial adjective) Having been cut.

Cut

Reduced.
The pitcher threw a cut fastball that was slower than his usual pitch.
Cut brandy is a liquor made of brandy and hard grain liquor.

Cut

(of a gem) Carved into a shape; not raw.

Cut

Played with a horizontal bat to hit the ball backward of point.

Cut

(bodybuilding) Having muscular definition in which individual groups of muscle fibers stand out among larger muscles.

Cut

(informal) Circumcised or having been the subject of female genital mutilation.

Cut

Emotionally hurt.

Cut

Intoxicated as a result of drugs or alcohol.

Cut

The act of cutting.
He made a fine cut with his sword.

Cut

The result of cutting.
A smooth or clear cut

Cut

An opening resulting from cutting; an incision or wound.
Look at this cut on my finger!

Cut

A notch, passage, or channel made by cutting or digging; a furrow; a groove.
A cut for a railroad

Cut

An artificial navigation channel as distinguished from a navigable river.

Cut

A share or portion of profits.
The bank robbers disbanded after everyone got their cut of the money.

Cut

A decrease.
The boss took a 5% pay cut.

Cut

(cricket) A batsman's shot played with a swinging motion of the bat, to hit the ball backward of point.

Cut

(cricket) Sideways movement of the ball through the air caused by a fast bowler imparting spin to the ball.

Cut

(sports) In lawn tennis, etc., a slanting stroke causing the ball to spin and bound irregularly; also, the spin thus given to the ball.

Cut

(golf) In a strokeplay competition, the early elimination of those players who have not then attained a preannounced score, so that the rest of the competition is less pressed for time and more entertaining for spectators.

Cut

A passage omitted or to be omitted from a play, movie script, speech, etc.
The director asked the cast to note down the following cuts.

Cut

(cinema) A particular version or edit of a film.
The director's cut

Cut

(card games) The act or right of dividing a deck of playing cards.
The player next to the dealer makes a cut by placing the bottom half on top.

Cut

(card games) The card obtained by dividing the pack.

Cut

The manner or style a garment etc. is fashioned in.
I like the cut of that suit.

Cut

A slab, especially of meat.
That’s our finest cut of meat.

Cut

(fencing) An attack made with a chopping motion of the blade, landing with its edge or point.

Cut

A deliberate snub, typically a refusal to return a bow or other acknowledgement of acquaintance.

Cut

An unkind act; a cruelty.

Cut

A definable part, such as an individual song, of a recording, particularly of commercial records, audio tapes, CDs, etc.
The drummer on the last cut of their CD is not identified.

Cut

(archaeology) A truncation, a context that represents a moment in time when other archaeological deposits were removed for the creation of some feature such as a ditch or pit.

Cut

A haircut.

Cut

(graph theory) The partition of a graph’s vertices into two subgroups.

Cut

(rail) A string of railway cars coupled together, shorter than a train.

Cut

An engraved block or plate; the impression from such an engraving.
A book illustrated with fine cuts

Cut

(obsolete) A common workhorse; a gelding.

Cut

The failure of a college officer or student to be present at any appointed exercise.

Cut

A skein of yarn.

Cut

That which is used to dilute or adulterate a recreational drug.
Don't buy his coke: it's full of cut.

Cut

(fashion) A notch shaved into an eyebrow.

Cut

(bodybuilding) A time period when one tries to lose fat while retaining muscle mass.

Cut

(slang) A hidden, secluded, or secure place.

Cut

The range of temperatures used to distill a particular mixture of hydrocarbons from crude oil.

Cut

An instruction to cease recording.

Cut

To separate the parts of with, or as with, a sharp instrument; to make an incision in; to gash; to sever; to divide.
You must cut this flesh from off his breast.
Before the whistling winds the vessels fly,With rapid swiftness cut the liquid way.

Cut

To sever and cause to fall for the purpose of gathering; to hew; to mow or reap.
Thy servants can skill to cut timer.

Cut

To sever and remove by cutting; to cut off; to dock; as, to cut the hair; to cut the nails.

Cut

To castrate or geld; as, to cut a horse.

Cut

To form or shape by cutting; to make by incision, hewing, etc.; to carve; to hew out.
Why should a man. whose blood is warm within,Sit like his grandsire cut in alabaster?
Loopholes cut through thickest shade.

Cut

To wound or hurt deeply the sensibilities of; to pierce; to lacerate; as, sarcasm cuts to the quick.
The man was cut to the heart.

Cut

To intersect; to cross; as, one line cuts another at right angles.

Cut

To refuse to recognize; to ignore; as, to cut a person in the street; to cut one's acquaintance.

Cut

To absent one's self from; as, to cut an appointment, a recitation. etc.
An English tradesman is always solicitous to cut the shop whenever he can do so with impunity.

Cut

To deflect (a bowled ball) to the off, with a chopping movement of the bat.

Cut

To drive (an object ball) to either side by hitting it fine on the other side with the cue ball or another object ball.

Cut

To strike (a ball) with the racket inclined or struck across the ball so as to put a certain spin on the ball.

Cut

To drive (a ball) to one side by hitting with another ball.
I would to God, . . . The king had cut off my brother's.

Cut

To do the work of an edged tool; to serve in dividing or gashing; as, a knife cuts well.

Cut

To admit of incision or severance; to yield to a cutting instrument.
Panels of white wood that cuts like cheese.

Cut

To perform the operation of dividing, severing, incising, intersecting, etc.; to use a cutting instrument.
He saved the lives of thousands by his manner of cutting for the stone.

Cut

To make a stroke with a whip.

Cut

To interfere, as a horse.

Cut

To move or make off quickly.

Cut

To divide a pack of cards into two portion to decide the deal or trump, or to change the order of the cards to be dealt.

Cut

An opening made with an edged instrument; a cleft; a gash; a slash; a wound made by cutting; as, a sword cut.

Cut

A stroke or blow or cutting motion with an edged instrument; a stroke or blow with a whip.

Cut

That which wounds the feelings, as a harsh remark or criticism, or a sarcasm; personal discourtesy, as neglecting to recognize an acquaintance when meeting him; a slight.
Rip called him by name, but the cur snarled, snapped his teeth, and passed on. This was an unkind cut indeed.

Cut

A notch, passage, or channel made by cutting or digging; a furrow; a groove; as, a cut for a railroad.
This great cut or ditch Secostris . . . purposed to have made a great deal wider and deeper.

Cut

The surface left by a cut; as, a smooth or clear cut.

Cut

A portion severed or cut off; a division; as, a cut of beef; a cut of timber.
It should be understood, moreover, . . . that the group are not arbitrary cuts, but natural groups or types.

Cut

An engraved block or plate; the impression from such an engraving; as, a book illustrated with fine cuts.

Cut

The act of dividing a pack cards.

Cut

Manner in which a thing is cut or formed; shape; style; fashion; as, the cut of a garment.
With eyes severe and beard of formal cut.

Cut

A common work horse; a gelding.
He'll buy me a cut, forth for to ride.

Cut

The failure of a college officer or student to be present at any appointed exercise.

Cut

A skein of yarn.

Cut

A slanting stroke causing the ball to spin and bound irregularly; also, the spin so given to the ball.

Cut

A stroke on the off side between point and the wicket; also, one who plays this stroke.
Now draweth cut . . . The which that hath the shortest shall begin.

Cut

Gashed or divided, as by a cutting instrument.

Cut

Formed or shaped as by cutting; carved.

Cut

Overcome by liquor; tipsy.

Cut

The act of reducing the amount or number;
The mayor proposed extensive cuts in the city budget

Cut

A wound made by cutting;
He put a bandage over the cut

Cut

A piece of meat that has been cut from an animal carcass

Cut

A distinct selection of music from a recording or a compact disc;
He played the first cut on the cd
The title track of the album

Cut

The act of penetrating or opening open with a sharp edge;
His cut in the lining revealed the hidden jewels

Cut

A share of the profits;
Everyone got a cut of the earnings

Cut

A step on some scale;
He is a cut above the the rest

Cut

A trench resembling a furrow that was made by erosion or excavation

Cut

(film) an immediate transition from one shot to the next;
The cut from the accident scene to the hospital seemed too abrupt

Cut

The act of cutting something into parts;
His cuts were skillful
His cutting of the cake made a terrible mess

Cut

The omission that is made when an editorial change shortens a written passage;
An editor's deletions frequently upset young authors
Both parties agreed on the excision of the proposed clause

Cut

The style in which a garment is cut;
A dress of traditional cut

Cut

The act of shortening something by cutting off the ends;
The barber gave him a good cut

Cut

In baseball; a batter's attempt to hit a pitched ball;
He took a vicious cut at the ball

Cut

A remark capable of wounding mentally;
The unkindest cut of all

Cut

A canal made by erosion or excavation

Cut

A refusal to recognize someone you know;
The snub was clearly intentional

Cut

(sports) a stroke that puts reverse spin on the ball;
Cuts do not bother a good tennis player

Cut

The division of a deck of cards before dealing;
He insisted that we give him the last cut before every deal
The cutting of the cards soon became a ritual

Cut

An unexcused absence from class;
He was punished for taking too many cuts in his math class

Cut

Separate with or as if with an instrument;
Cut the rope

Cut

Cut down on; make a reduction in;
Reduce your daily fat intake
The employer wants to cut back health benefits

Cut

Turn sharply; change direction abruptly;
The car cut to the left at the intersection
The motorbike veered to the right

Cut

Make an incision or separation;
Cut along the dotted line

Cut

Discharge from a group;
The coach cut two players from the team

Cut

Form by probing, penetrating, or digging;
Cut a hole
Cut trenches
The sweat cut little rivulets into her face

Cut

Style and tailor in a certain fashion;
Cut a dress

Cut

Hit (a ball) with a spin so that it turns in the opposite direction;
Cut a pingpong ball

Cut

Make out and issue;
Write out a check
Cut a ticket
Please make the check out to me

Cut

Cut and assemble the components of;
Edit film
Cut recording tape

Cut

Intentionally fail to attend;
Cut class

Cut

Informal: be able to manage or manage successfully;
I can't hack it anymore
She could not cut the long days in the office

Cut

Give the appearance or impression of;
Cut a nice figure

Cut

Move (one's fist);
His opponent cut upward toward his chin

Cut

Pass directly and often in haste;
We cut through the neighbor's yard to get home sooner

Cut

Pass through or across;
The boat cut the water

Cut

Make an abrupt change of image or sound;
Cut from one scene to another

Cut

Stop filming;
Cut a movie scene

Cut

Make a recording of;
Cut the songs
She cut all of her major titles again

Cut

Record a performance on (a medium);
Cut a record

Cut

Create by duplicating data;
Cut a disk
Burn a CD

Cut

Form or shape by cutting or incising;
Cut paper dolls

Cut

Perform or carry out;
Cut a caper

Cut

Function as a cutting instrument;
This knife cuts well

Cut

Allow incision or separation;
This bread cuts easily

Cut

Divide a deck of cards at random into two parts to make selection difficult;
Wayne cut
She cut the deck for a long time

Cut

Cause to stop operating by disengaging a switch;
Turn off the stereo, please
Cut the engine
Turn out the lights

Cut

Reap or harvest;
Cut grain

Cut

Fell by sawing; hew;
The Vietnamese cut a lot of timber while they occupied Cambodia

Cut

Penetrate injuriously;
The glass from the shattered windshield cut into her forehead

Cut

Refuse to acknowledge;
She cut him dead at the meeting

Cut

Shorten as if by severing the edges or ends of;
Cut my hair

Cut

Weed out unwanted or unnecessary things;
We had to lose weight, so we cut the sugar from our diet

Cut

Dissolve by breaking down the fat of;
Soap cuts grease

Cut

Have a reducing effect;
This cuts into my earnings

Cut

Cease, stop;
Cut the noise
We had to cut short the conversation

Cut

Reduce in scope while retaining essential elements;
The manuscript must be shortened

Cut

Lessen the strength or flavor of a solution or mixture;
Cut bourbon

Cut

Have grow through the gums;
The baby cut a tooth

Cut

Grow through the gums;
The new tooth is cutting

Cut

Cut off the testicles (of male animals such as horses);
The vet gelded the young horse

Cut

Separated into parts or laid open or penetrated with a sharp edge or instrument;
The cut surface was mottled
Cut tobacco
Blood from his cut forehead
Bandages on her cut wrists

Cut

Fashioned or shaped by cutting;
A well-cut suit
Cut diamonds
Cut velvet

Cut

With parts removed;
The drastically cut film

Cut

Made neat and tidy by trimming;
His neatly trimmed hair

Cut

(used of grass or vegetation) cut down with a hand implement or machine;
The smell of new-mown hay

Cut

(of pages of a book) having the folds of the leaves trimmed or slit;
The cut pages of the book

Cut

(of a male animal) having the testicles removed;
A cut horse

Cut

Having a long rip or tear;
A split lip

Cut

Wounded by cutting deeply;
Got a gashed arm in a knife fight
Had a slashed cheek from the broken glass

Cut

Cut down;
The tree is down

Cut

(used of rates or prices) reduced usually sharply;
The slashed prices attracted buyers

Cut

Mixed with water;
Sold cut whiskey
A cup of thinned soup

Cut

Removes selected content from the original source.
Cut the paragraph and paste it into the summary document.

Cut

The command that transfers content to the clipboard for relocation.
Use the cut function to rearrange the sections of your report.

Cut

Depicted with scissors icon in toolbars.
Click the scissors icon to cut the selected text.

Common Curiosities

Can cut content be restored?

Yes, until it's overwritten by new clipboard data or pasted back.

What does the copy function do?

It duplicates the selected item while leaving the original in place.

How many times can you paste copied content?

Copied content can be pasted multiple times.

What does the cut function do?

It removes the selected item from its location to move it elsewhere.

Are there icons that typically represent cut and copy?

Yes, scissors for cut and overlapping papers for copy.

Is there a limit to the size of the data you can cut or copy?

Generally, no, but practical limits depend on system resources.

How do cut and copy functions affect system performance?

They generally have minimal impact unless dealing with large amounts of data.

Is cut available in all software applications?

No, it's not available where content modification is restricted.

Can you use keyboard shortcuts for cutting and copying?

Yes, Ctrl+X for cut and Ctrl+C for copy.

What happens to the clipboard when you cut versus when you copy?

Cut places the item on the clipboard for one-time pasting, while copy allows multiple pastings.

How do permissions affect the ability to cut or copy?

Permissions may restrict cutting if altering the content is not allowed.

Can you cut or copy from a write-protected file?

You can copy from it, but not cut.

What are the risks of using cut over copy?

If interrupted, cut could result in loss of data.

Can I undo a cut or copy operation?

Copy, yes always; cut, only until it’s pasted elsewhere.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Fiza Rafique
Fiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.

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