Chapter Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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chapter

[ˈtʃæptər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

book

A main division of a book, typically with a number or title.

Synonyms

division, part, section, segment.

Examples of usage

  • The first chapter of the novel introduces the main characters.
  • She skipped to the last chapter to find out how the story ends.
Context #2 | Noun

organization

A local branch of a society.

Synonyms

branch, division, section.

Examples of usage

  • She was elected president of the local chapter of the charity organization.
  • The chapter is responsible for organizing community events.
Context #3 | Noun

history

A period of time marked by a particular event or activity.

Synonyms

era, period, time.

Examples of usage

  • The chapter of the Civil War was a dark time in American history.
  • This chapter in our nation's history should never be forgotten.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Famous novels often have chapters that establish tension or character development, like in 'Harry Potter' series where each chapter introduces a new part of the wizarding world.
  • Some books use chapter titles instead of numbers to hint at what will happen, adding intrigue.

Publishing

  • In modern publishing, chapters are typically used to break down lengthy texts, making them easier to read and digest.
  • E-books allow readers to navigate chapters quickly, enhancing the reading experience.

Cinematic Techniques

  • Movies sometimes adopt a chapter-like structure, with distinct scenes that represent different parts of the story, similar to book chapters.
  • The use of 'chapters' in films can help maintain narrative pacing and build suspense.

Education

  • Chapters in textbooks organize learning, allowing students to focus on one topic at a time.
  • Chapter summaries at the end of each section help reinforce key concepts and improve retention.

Origin of 'chapter'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'capitulum', meaning 'little head', indicating a smaller part of a larger work.
  • In early manuscripts, chapters were often marked by larger letters or symbols to denote shifts in themes.

The word 'chapter' originated from the Old English word 'capitul', which came from Latin 'capitulum' meaning 'a little head'. The term was initially used in reference to a main division of a book and later extended to other areas such as organizations and history. Throughout history, chapters have served as key components in organizing information and events into manageable sections.


See also: chap, chapati, chapel.

Word Frequency Rank

At #679 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.