extract
/ɪkˈstrækt/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪkˈstrækt/ (ame, ipa) · /ik-ˈstrakt usually in sense 5 ˈek-ˌstrakt/ (ame, mw) · /ˈekstrækt/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈekstrækt/ (ame, ipa)
extract — verb
- extractpresent simple I / you / we / they
- extracts3rd person singular
- extracting-ing form
- extractedpast simple
1. to take a substance or object out of something else, usually by pulling, pressin
to take a substance or object out of something else, usually by pulling, pressing, or using a chemical or mechanical process
The dentist extracted the damaged tooth without causing too much pain.
extract + tooth (medical extraction of a body part)
The laboratory technician extracted oil from lavender flowers using steam distillation.
extract + from + [source] (chemical extraction process)
Rescuers worked through the night to extract the driver from the wrecked car.
Honeybees extract nectar from flowers and turn it into honey.
文法句型
extract + noun + from + noun phrase
用法筆記
Object is usually something embedded, dissolved, or physically contained inside another substance. Commonly used with the preposition 'from' to indicate the source.
常見錯誤
2. to get information, money, or an agreement from someone by applying pressure, th
to get information, money, or an agreement from someone by applying pressure, threats, or persistent effort when they are unwilling to give it
The police failed to extract a confession from the suspect despite hours of questioning.
extract a confession (collocation in legal context)
The journalist managed to extract a promise from the politician to address the issue.
During the negotiation, the union extracted a pay raise from the company management.
The lawyer tried to extract the truth from the witness during cross-examination.
文法句型
extract + noun + from + noun phrase
用法筆記
Often used in legal, investigative, or negotiation contexts. The object is typically intangible — a confession, promise, information, or agreement. The subject is usually a person or institution in a position of authority.
常見錯誤
3. to choose and copy a short piece of writing from a book, article, or document in
to choose and copy a short piece of writing from a book, article, or document in order to use or cite it in your own work
The student extracted several key paragraphs from the research paper for her essay.
extract + from + [written work] (for citation)
The author extracted a short chapter from his novel for a literary magazine.
The historian extracted relevant passages from old court records for the book.
The teacher asked the class to extract the main arguments from the reading assignment.
- paraphrase
to restate an idea in your own words rather than copying directly
- omit
to leave out, not include
文法句型
extract + noun + from + noun phrase
用法筆記
The extracted material is typically a relatively short passage used to support an argument or illustrate a point. Distinguish from verb sense 1 (physically removing something) — this sense is about selecting text, not taking a physical object.
常見錯誤
extract — noun
- extractsingular
- extractsplural
1. a concentrated substance obtained from a plant, fruit, herb, or other natural so
a concentrated substance obtained from a plant, fruit, herb, or other natural source, used especially in cooking, medicine, or beauty products
The recipe calls for a teaspoon of vanilla extract to flavour the cake.
vanilla extract (common food ingredient)
Many skin creams contain aloe vera extract to soothe and moisturise the skin.
The herbal extract is believed to help reduce stress and improve sleep quality.
The company produces a liquid extract of ginseng for adding to tea or water.
- essence
similar in meaning but often suggests a more refined or aromatic concentrate
- concentrate
focuses on the condensed state rather than the extraction method
- tincture
specifically an alcohol-based herbal extract; more technical
文法句型
extract + of + [source plant/material]
用法筆記
Commonly used both as a countable noun ('a vanilla extract', 'many herbal extracts') and an uncountable noun ('some extract', 'made with extract'). When specifying the source, use 'extract of [source]' or '[source] extract'.
常見錯誤
2. a short piece of writing, speech, or music taken from a longer work for a partic
a short piece of writing, speech, or music taken from a longer work for a particular purpose such as discussion, analysis, or preview
The exam included an extract from a 19th-century novel that students had to analyse.
extract from + [novel/work] (academic context)
The magazine published an extract from the former president's autobiography.
The teacher handed out an extract of the poem for the students to discuss.
The website features extracts from newly published books so readers can preview them.
文法句型
extract + from + [work]
用法筆記
Distinguish from verb sense 3 (CITE / QUOTE) — the noun refers to the passage itself, while the verb refers to the act of selecting it. Commonly used in publishing, education, and journalism.