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Collage Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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collage

[kəˈlɑːʒ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

art

A work of art made by sticking various different materials such as photographs and pieces of paper or fabric onto a backing.

Synonyms

composition, montage, mosaic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
collage

Utilize 'collage' when describing a piece of art made from various materials like paper, photographs, or fabric glued onto a surface. It emphasizes the diversity and unconventional combination of elements.

  • The artist created a beautiful collage using magazine cutouts and fabric scraps.
  • Our assignment was to make a collage representing our summer vacation.
montage

Utilize 'montage' when describing a sequence of images or scenes put together to express a concept or narrate a story, often used in film and video editing to condense time or create symbolic meaning.

  • The movie included a montage of the main character's childhood memories.
  • The music video featured a montage of concert footage and behind-the-scenes clips.
composition

Utilize 'composition' in contexts that involve creating or arranging elements in a harmonious manner, especially referring to music, poetry, or visual art. It implies a thoughtful and intentional arrangement.

  • Her latest musical composition is going to be performed by the orchestra.
  • The composition of the painting was striking, with perfect balance and color harmony.
mosaic

Utilize 'mosaic' when describing a pattern or image made from small, often colored, pieces of glass, stone, or other materials. The term can also be used metaphorically to describe a diversity of elements forming a coherent whole.

  • The floor of the ancient church was adorned with an intricate mosaic.
  • Her book is a mosaic of stories and experiences from her travels.

Examples of usage

  • She created a beautiful collage for her art class project.
  • The gallery was filled with colorful collages made by local artists.
Context #2 | Noun

education

A collection of different items, parts, or elements used in the process of learning, especially for artistic or educational purposes.

Synonyms

assemblage, collection, compilation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
collage

Collage refers to a compilation or creation that involves assembling various elements, similar to the context for 'collage' mentioned above.

  • Her memory wall is a collage of photos from her travels.
  • He enjoys making digital collages using a photo editing software.
compilation

Compilation refers to something that is put together by gathering materials from various sources, typically used in contexts involving written works, music, or data.

  • The best-selling compilation album features hit songs from the 1980s.
  • He published a compilation of essays on contemporary political issues.
assemblage

Assemblage is typically used in reference to a collection or gathering of things or people. It is often used in formal or technical contexts, especially in art to describe a 3D composition made of various objects.

  • The artist's latest work is an assemblage of recycled materials.
  • The assemblage of delegates at the conference highlighted the diverse opinions on the topic.
collection

Collection refers to a group of items or works accumulated over a period of time. This word is frequently used in the context of collecting items for a personal hobby, museum exhibits, or published works.

  • The museum houses an extensive collection of Renaissance paintings.
  • She has a collection of rare coins from different countries.

Examples of usage

  • The teacher asked the students to create a collage of their favorite images to express their personalities.
  • The collage of historical documents provided valuable insights into the past.
Context #3 | Verb

art

To make a collage.

Synonyms

arrange, assemble, combine.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
collage

Used when talking about creating an artistic composition made by sticking various materials such as photographs, pieces of paper, or fabric onto a backing.

  • She made a beautiful collage with old family photos.
  • The art class project was to create a collage using colored paper.
assemble

Used when talking about putting together various parts to create a whole, often implying the construction of something complex or mechanical.

  • He assembled the bike with the help of the instruction manual.
  • The team will assemble the new furniture this afternoon.
combine

Used when referring to the act of mixing or merging two or more things to form a whole, often in reference to ingredients or abstract concepts.

  • To make the recipe, first combine the flour and sugar.
  • We need to combine our resources to solve this problem.
arrange

Used when referring to putting things in a particular order or position, often for organizational or aesthetic purposes.

  • Can you arrange the books on the shelf by size?
  • He arranged the flowers in a vase.

Examples of usage

  • She loves to collage different textures and colors in her artwork.
  • The artist collaged old photographs with handwritten letters to create a unique piece.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word 'collage' comes from the French word 'coller', which means 'to glue'.
  • This art technique became popular in the early 20th century when artists started experimenting with different materials.
  • Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque are credited with pioneering collage techniques in their art, especially in the Cubism movement.

Art and Culture

  • Collage has been used by many artists, including modern-day creators like Robert Rauschenberg, to challenge traditional forms of art.
  • In the 1960s, collage became a key element in the punk movement, where artists used it to express counterculture ideas.
  • Many digital artists now create collages using software, blending both traditional techniques and modern technology.

Literature

  • The cut-up technique, popularized by writer William S. Burroughs, involves rearranging snippets of text together, much like a visual collage.
  • Some authors create 'collage novels' where various pieces of text, images, and different formats are combined to tell a story.
  • This literary style allows for diverse perspectives and voices to come together in unique ways.

Psychology and Therapy

  • Collage-making is often used in art therapy to help individuals express emotions and explore their identities.
  • Creating a collage can enhance creativity, improve focus, and provide a physical outlet for feelings.
  • It’s a way for people to communicate feelings that might be hard to put into words by using visual imagery.

Education

  • Many teachers use collage as an activity to encourage students to share personal experiences and cultural backgrounds.
  • Making a collage helps develop fine motor skills, as it involves cutting, gluing, and arranging materials.
  • Collages can also be incorporated into lesson plans to explore themes in history, literature, and art.

Origin of 'collage'

The word "collage" originated from the French word "coller", meaning "to glue". The technique of creating collages has been used in art for centuries, with artists incorporating various materials to produce visually striking compositions. Collages have been embraced in different art movements, such as Dadaism and Surrealism, for their ability to challenge traditional artistic boundaries and create new forms of expression.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,132, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.