Definition

Noun: A very short, memorable excerpt from a longer speech or interview, typically broadcast on radio or television. It is designed to be easily quotable and to convey a key message or idea in a concise, impactful way.

Usage

A "sound bite" is used to refer to a brief, extracted segment of audio or video, often used in news media to summarize a speaker's position or to capture public attention. It focuses on brevity and memorability.

Examples

• The politician's campaign relied on catchy sound bites rather than detailed policy discussions.
• The news report featured a powerful sound bite from the witness's testimony.
• It's difficult to explain a complex issue in a 10-second sound bite.

Advanced Usage

• "To be reduced to a sound bite": Describes when a complex argument or situation is oversimplified into a short, often misleading, media clip.
  • The scientist's nuanced research was reduced to a misleading sound bite by the news channel.
• "Sound-bite culture": Refers to a media or political environment where short, simplistic messages are valued over in-depth analysis.
  • The debate suffered from sound-bite culture, with candidates avoiding detailed answers.

Variants and Related Words

• Sound-bite (adjective, often hyphenated): Used to describe something characteristic of or suitable for a sound bite.
  • He gave a sound-bite response that avoided the real question.

Synonyms

• Clip: A short extract from a film or broadcast.
• Excerpt: A short extract from a text, film, or piece of music.
• Quote: A quotation or a quoted passage.

Related Phrases

• Grab a sound bite: To obtain a short, usable media clip from an interview or speech.
  • The reporter waited outside the courthouse to grab a sound bite from the lawyer.

Noun

1. a very short speech; usually on radio or television