Aperture: meaning, definitions and examples

📸

Add to dictionary

aperture

[ˈapərtʃər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

photography

An opening, hole, or gap through which light passes in a camera lens to expose the film or sensor.

Synonyms

gap, hole, opening.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
aperture	Used primarily in scientific and technical fields, especially in optics and photography, to describe an opening or hole that allows light or other forms of energy to pass through. The camera's aperture determines how much light reaches the sensor. The telescope has a wide aperture for better stargazing.
opening	Can refer to an empty space or gap that allows access or passage, or to a new job opportunity or the initial part of an event or document. It's often used in neutral or formal contexts. There's an opening in the fence where we can enter. The company has a job opening in the IT department.
hole	Refers to an opening or hollow place in a surface or material. It can be used in casual or informal contexts and can sometimes have a negative connotation, especially when referring to damage. He dug a hole in the ground for the plants. There's a hole in my shoe; I need a new pair.
gap	Often used to describe a break or space between two things, whether physical or metaphorical. It can refer to physical spaces or abstract concepts such as time, knowledge, or differences. There's a noticeable gap between the two buildings. The generation gap is quite evident in their views on technology.

Examples of usage

Adjusting the aperture can control the depth of field in a photograph.
A larger aperture lets in more light, resulting in a brighter image.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

technology

A hole or an opening that controls the amount of light entering a camera lens or telescope.

Synonyms

hole, lens opening, opening.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
aperture	In photography and optics, 'aperture' refers to the opening in a lens through which light passes. It is commonly used in technical and professional settings. Adjust the aperture to control the amount of light entering the camera. A smaller aperture creates a greater depth of field.
hole	'Hole' is a general term for any opening, often used in everyday situations. It can refer to openings in various objects, surfaces, or materials. There's a hole in my shirt. He dug a hole in the ground.
opening	'Opening' is a broad term that can refer to any gap or space where something can pass through. It is very versatile and can be used in various contexts, from everyday language to more specific settings. There's an opening in the fence. She climbed through the opening in the wall.
lens opening	'Lens opening' is specifically used in photography to describe the part of a camera or other optical instrument where light enters. It is less technical than 'aperture' and more descriptive for general use. Cover the lens opening to protect it from dust. The lens opening determines how much light reaches the sensor.

Examples of usage

The aperture of the telescope can be adjusted to focus on different celestial objects.
The camera automatically adjusts the aperture based on lighting conditions.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

architecture

An opening or hole, especially in a wall or ceiling, that allows light to pass through.

Synonyms

hole, opening, window.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
aperture	Used in technical or scientific contexts, especially in photography, optics, and mechanics. The camera's aperture was set to f/2 8 for the portrait Adjust the aperture to control the amount of light entering the telescope
opening	Used to describe a space that allows passage or access, often in a neutral or positive context. He peeked through the opening in the fence The opening of the cave was barely visible from the path
hole	Used generally to describe an empty space in something solid, often with a negative or casual connotation. There's a hole in my sock The dog dug a big hole in the backyard
window	Used to describe an opening in a wall to let light in or as a metaphor for an opportunity. She looked out of the window at the rain This is a window of opportunity that we must not miss

Examples of usage

The architect designed the building with large apertures to maximize natural light.
The apartment has floor-to-ceiling windows acting as apertures for natural light.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'aperture' comes from the Latin 'apertūra', which means 'opening'.
Its use in photography dates back to the creation of the first cameras in the 19th century.
Originally, the term was used in architecture, referring to any openings, like doors or windows.

Photography

Aperture size affects exposure and depth of field; a larger opening allows more light and creates a blurrier background.
Photographers often use the f-stop scale to measure aperture; lower numbers mean larger openings.
Creative control over aperture allows artists to create specific moods in their images.

Science

In optics, aperture influences how light rays converge, impacting image clarity and brightness.
Scientists use various apertures when imaging galaxies to capture different levels of light.
In microscopy, adjusting the aperture allows for better visibility of tiny details in specimens.

Art

Many artists, especially those in the Impressionist movement, understood the importance of light, leading to innovative approaches in their work.
Creative use of aperture in photography can evoke emotions by altering the focus and lighting.
Several famous photographs are remembered for their unique play with depth of field, achieved through careful manipulation of aperture.

Pop Culture

In films, the choice of aperture can drastically change a viewer's experience by focusing on characters or creating dramatic backgrounds.
Popular culture references often highlight the beauty of photography, with aperture settings being central to achieving stunning visuals.
Documentaries about nature use controlled apertures to showcase the art of wildlife photography, capturing moments of beauty and drama.

Translations

Translations of the word "aperture" in other languages:

🇵🇹 abertura

🇮🇳 छिद्र

🇩🇪 Öffnung

🇮🇩 bukaan

🇺🇦 отвор

🇵🇱 otwór

🇯🇵 開口部 (かいこうぶ)

🇫🇷 ouverture

🇪🇸 apertura

🇹🇷 açıklık

🇰🇷 구멍

🇸🇦 فتحة

🇨🇿 otvor

🇸🇰 otvor

🇨🇳 孔径

🇸🇮 odprtina

🇮🇸 op

🇰🇿 тесік

🇬🇪 ხვრელი

🇦🇿 açılış

🇲🇽 apertura

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,943 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
6940 imprisoned
6941 porch
6942 reinforcement
6943 aperture
6944 theirs
6945 thyroid
6946 autonomous
...