Films: meaning, definitions and examples

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films

[fɪlmz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

watching movies

A form of entertainment that tells a story through moving images on a screen. Films are typically shown in cinemas or can be streamed online.

Synonyms

cinema, motion pictures, movies.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
films	This term is often used in a more formal or artistic context, particularly when referring to the art of filmmaking or when discussing critically acclaimed or classic works. The Cannes Film Festival showcases a wide variety of films from around the world. She studied films from the 1960s in her cinema class.
movies	A casual and commonly used term, especially in American English, for any type of film. It is frequently used in everyday conversation. Let's go see a movie this weekend. He loves watching action movies at home.
cinema	This word is typically used when talking about the place where movies are shown (movie theater) or the industry or art form itself, especially in British English. We went to the cinema to watch the latest blockbuster. Cinema has evolved significantly since the silent film era.
motion pictures	A more old-fashioned term that is often used in historical contexts or formal discussions about the technical aspects of filmmaking. The history of motion pictures dates back to the late 19th century. Early motion pictures were silent and black-and-white.

Examples of usage

I love going to the cinema to watch the latest films.
She studied film production in college.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

photographic film

A thin flexible strip of plastic or other material coated with a light-sensitive emulsion for exposure in a camera, used to produce photographs or motion pictures.

Synonyms

negative, photographic film, roll film.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
films	This word is used when referring to cinematic productions or movies. It encompasses various types of movies, including feature films, documentaries, and shorts. I enjoy watching classic films The film festival showcased a variety of international films
photographic film	This refers to the material used in analog photography to capture images. It is a more technical term and is often used in professional or hobbyist photography contexts. She prefers to shoot with photographic film rather than digital cameras The photograph was taken on black and white photographic film
roll film	Specific type of photographic film that comes in a roll. It’s a term used by photographers who use traditional film cameras. I bought a new roll film for my camera Roll film needs to be loaded carefully into the camera
negative	In photography, a negative is an image, usually on film, in which the lightest areas of the photographed subject appear darkest and the darkest areas appear lightest. It is mostly used in the context of traditional photography. He carefully developed the negatives in the darkroom The negatives were later converted to high-quality prints

Examples of usage

He loaded a new film into his camera before taking pictures.
The photographer developed the film in a darkroom.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The earliest film was created in the late 1800s, showcasing short moving images and developed by pioneers like Thomas Edison.
The first feature-length film, 'The Story of the Kelly Gang,' was made in Australia in 1906 and lasted over an hour.
Silent films dominated the early 20th century until the introduction of sound in the late 1920s transformed the industry.

Cultural Impact

Films have influenced social movements by bringing attention to important issues, such as racism in 'To Kill a Mockingbird' or environmental issues in 'Avatar.'
The annual Academy Awards celebrates cinematic achievements and has a significant influence on future film productions and viewing trends.
In many cultures, films serve as a window into the values, humor, and struggles of societies, shaping perceptions between diverse groups.

Technology

The transition from film reels to digital media has revolutionized how films are produced, distributed, and viewed, enabling online streaming services.
Advancements in CGI (computer-generated imagery) have allowed filmmakers to create fantastical worlds and characters that were once impossible to depict.
Virtual reality (VR) technology is emerging in filmmaking, allowing audiences to experience stories in a more immersive way.

Psychology

Watching films can trigger emotional responses through various cinematic techniques like music, lighting, and storytelling structure.
Studies show that films can serve as a form of escapism, providing viewers an opportunity to relax and disconnect from reality.
Viewers often develop strong attachments to film characters, echoing principles from psychology about empathy and identification.

Literature

Many films are adaptations of literary works, bringing classic stories like 'Pride and Prejudice' and 'The Great Gatsby' to the big screen.
Screenwriting is a distinct form of literature, requiring a different approach to dialogue and visual storytelling compared to traditional writing.
Film noir, a genre characterized by its cynical attitude and moral ambiguity, has its roots in literature and was heavily influenced by hard-boiled crime novels.

Translations

Translations of the word "films" in other languages:

🇵🇹 filmes

🇮🇳 फ़िल्में

🇩🇪 Filme

🇮🇩 film

🇺🇦 фільми

🇵🇱 filmy

🇯🇵 映画

🇫🇷 films

🇪🇸 películas

🇹🇷 filmler

🇰🇷 영화

🇸🇦 أفلام

🇨🇿 filmy

🇸🇰 filmy

🇨🇳 电影

🇸🇮 filmi

🇮🇸 kvikmyndir

🇰🇿 фильмдер

🇬🇪 ფილმები

🇦🇿 filmlər

🇲🇽 películas

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,806, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

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2803 surprise
2804 psychological
2805 unemployment
2806 films
2807 suffer
2808 dynamic
2809 substances
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