What this suffix does
-cut describes how something turned out after being cut or shaped: clean-cut (neat, tidy), rough-cut (unpolished). "well-cut" = well-tailored, for clothes.
ESEN
Suffix · forms adjectives
-cut
Describes how something turned out after being cut or shaped: clean-cut (neat, tidy-looking) and well-cut (well-tailored).
In Spanish: de corte / perfilado / definidoIntermediate
Written by Bryan López, English teacher · Updated
How it is formed
Adverb or adjective + cut.
- clean + cutclean-cut (neat, tidy-looking)
- well + cutwell-cut (well-tailored)
- rough + cutrough-cut (unpolished, unrefined)
This is not a productive rule you can apply freely: it is a closed set of fixed expressions. Learn them one by one as set phrases.
How it is pronounced
-cut
Tap the button to hear how the ending sounds. Each word in the table has its own audio.
Examples
Base word
With -cut
In a phrase
- cleanclean-cutHe showed up looking clean-cut for the job interview.
- sharpsharp-cutThe sharp-cut lines of the building make it look very modern.
- wellwell-cutA well-cut suit can make a big difference at an interview.
- deepdeep-cutThe deep-cut wound needed several stitches.
- roughrough-cutThis is just a rough-cut version of the video, it's not finished yet.
Common mistakes
clean-cut = of a specific physical appearance only
clean-cut describes both physical appearance and the moral/social impression it projects
"Clean-cut" in physical terms means having well-defined, neat features and a tidy, conventional appearance. In social and moral terms it means projecting an image of conventional respectability, honesty, and reliability. The two senses are deeply connected: the neat appearance is read as a sign of the conventional moral character. A "clean-cut" person is assumed to be straightforward and reliable, partly because they look it.
deep-cut = only about literal wounds
deep-cut is frequently used figuratively for damage to reputation, institutions, or relationships
"Deep-cut" in figurative use describes damage or harm that has reached far into the structure of something — not just surface wounds but damage that will take a long time to heal. "Deep-cut wounds to credibility," "deep-cut reductions in funding," "the deep-cut aftermath of the scandal" — in each case the cut has gone deep enough to cause structural harm rather than merely surface damage.
A trick to remember it
"Cut" = cut, literal. Picture the scissors that made the cut: clean-CUT = a neat, tidy cut (a tidy image). well-CUT = a well-made cut (clothes that fit perfectly).
Practise what you learned
Exercise 1 · Form the word
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
"well-cut" describes a piece of clothing that is...
Frequently asked questions
What does the suffix -cut mean in English?
The suffix -cut describes how something turned out after being cut or shaped: clean-cut (neat, tidy-looking) and well-cut (well-tailored). In Spanish it usually maps to de corte / perfilado / definido.
Can you give an example of a word with -cut?
"clean" becomes "clean-cut". It is a typical example of the -cut suffix.
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