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Capture Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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capture

[ˈkæptʃər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

photography

To take a photograph or video by using a camera or recording device.

Synonyms

film, record, shoot.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
capture

Typically used to describe the act of obtaining something, not only in terms of photos or videos but also in expressions like 'capture attention' or 'capture the moment'.

  • She managed to capture the beauty of the sunset in her painting.
  • The documentary captures the essence of the city.
record

Generally used for audio or video recordings, emphasizing the process of preserving sounds or images for later playback.

  • I need to record this lecture for my notes.
  • They recorded their conversation on their phones.
film

Used when referring to the action of making a movie or recording a video, mainly in professional or semi-professional contexts.

  • They decided to film the entire event for future reference.
  • The director plans to film the new scene tomorrow.
shoot

Commonly used in photography or videography to describe the act of taking a photo or filming. It is informal and often used among professionals.

  • We are going to shoot some scenes at the beach.
  • Do you want to shoot some pictures this afternoon?

Examples of usage

  • He captured the beautiful sunset on his camera.
  • The photographer captured the essence of the city in her photos.
Context #2 | Noun

prisoner

A person who has been confined or caught by another, typically in a military context.

Synonyms

captive, detainee, prisoner.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
capture

Used when talking about the act of catching or taking someone or something, often in a physical or military sense.

  • The soldiers managed to capture the enemy base.
  • She tried to capture the lost cat with a net.
prisoner

A person who has been legally deprived of their freedom following a criminal conviction, or someone held by an enemy during wartime.

  • The prisoner was sentenced to ten years in jail.
  • During the war, many soldiers were taken as prisoners.
captive

Refers to someone who has been captured and is being held, often against their will. Usually implies a prolonged state of captivity.

  • The captive soldiers were kept in a prison camp for months.
  • They freed the captive animals from the illegal zoo.
detainee

Commonly used in a legal or political context, referring to someone who is being held by authorities, typically for questioning or investigative purposes.

  • The detainee was questioned for hours regarding the incident.
  • There are several detainees in the facility awaiting trial.

Examples of usage

  • The soldiers managed to capture the enemy general.
  • The escape attempt was foiled and the prisoner remained in capture.
Context #3 | Noun

attraction

The act of attracting someone's attention or interest.

Synonyms

allure, attraction, fascination.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
capture

Use when taking control of something or someone, physically or metaphorically. Can refer to both literal and figurative possession.

  • The police were able to capture the fugitive
  • The painting captures the essence of the countryside
attraction

Refers to a quality that causes interest or desire in people, can be physical, emotional, or intellectual.

  • The theme park is a major tourist attraction
  • He has a natural attraction to science and technology
fascination

Describes a powerful feeling of being intensely interested or captivated by something or someone.

  • Her fascination with astronomy started when she was a child
  • The magician's tricks held the audience in fascination
allure

Describes a strong, often mysterious charm or attraction, usually related to beauty or an enticing quality.

  • The allure of the ancient city is undeniable
  • Her smile has a certain allure that is hard to resist

Examples of usage

  • The movie's captivating storyline was a major capture for audiences.
  • The artist's work had a powerful capture on the viewers.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Art & Photography

  • In photography, capturing refers to fixing an image on a film or digital sensor.
  • Famous artists like Ansel Adams are known for their ability to capture landscapes with striking detail.
  • The 'decisive moment' concept by Henri Cartier-Bresson highlights capturing unique fleeting moments in time.

Science & Technology

  • In science, capturing data means gathering information to analyze or study it.
  • Technological advancements allow for digital capture, meaning images, sounds, and movements can be digitally stored and manipulated.
  • In environmental science, carbon capture technologies aim to reduce emissions by trapping carbon dioxide.

Military & Strategy

  • In a military context, capturing an enemy position is often a strategic goal in warfare.
  • Famous battles in history often involved the capture of key locations to gain tactical advantages.
  • The term 'capture the flag' refers to a popular team-based game and is a metaphor for taking control of something valuable.

Psychology

  • In psychology, the concept of capturing attention is crucial in advertising to draw in consumers.
  • Capturing emotional experiences can help in therapies, allowing individuals to process their feelings.
  • Memory research often discusses how certain stimuli can capture attention and persist in memory.

Origin of 'capture'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'captura', meaning 'to seize'.
  • It has evolved through Old French, where it meant 'to take by force'.
  • In English, it started being used around the late 14th century.

The word 'capture' originated from the Latin word 'captura', which means 'a taking'. It has been used in various contexts throughout history, from military captures in battles to capturing moments in photography. The concept of capture has evolved to symbolize not only physical confinement but also the ability to seize or attract. Over time, 'capture' has become a versatile term used in different fields such as photography, technology, and psychology.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,647, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.