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Montage Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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montage

[mɒnˈtɑːʒ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

video editing

A montage is a sequence of film or video clips arranged to create a specific effect or convey a particular idea. It is often used to condense time, show a character's development, or evoke emotions in the audience.

Synonyms

collage, compilation, sequence.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
montage

Used when referencing a technique in film or video editing where a sequence of shots is combined to condense time or information.

  • The director used a fast-paced montage to summarize the protagonist's journey.
  • The movie opened with a beautiful montage of cityscapes.
sequence

Used in general to describe a set of related events, movements, or items that follow each other in a particular order.

  • The sequence of events led to an unexpected outcome.
  • Watch the sequence carefully to understand the process.
collage

Typically refers to an artistic composition made by sticking various materials such as photographs, pieces of paper, or fabric onto a backing.

  • She created a collage of her favorite vacation photos.
  • The art class project was to make a collage using different textures.
compilation

Refers to a collection of elements such as videos, songs, or data, usually curated by someone into a single set or list.

  • The DJ released a compilation of the year's top hits.
  • She gave me a compilation of her favorite recipes.

Examples of usage

  • The montage in the movie effectively showed the passage of time as the main character prepared for the competition.
  • She created a beautiful montage of her travels around the world, capturing the essence of each location in a short video.
  • The director used a montage to illustrate the protagonist's transformation from a shy introvert to a confident leader.
  • The emotional impact of the montage left the audience in tears, as they witnessed the character's journey through hardships and triumphs.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Film & Art

  • Montages are often used in movies to show a progression of time, like someone growing up quickly in a few minutes.
  • Famous directors, such as Sergei Eisenstein, used montage techniques to create emotional impacts in films.
  • Artists also use montages in visual art to convey a layered meaning or contrast between different images.

Psychology

  • Viewing a montage can stimulate our brain to make connections between images, enhancing our understanding of relationships.
  • Our memory can be influenced by montages by associating different images to convey a single idea or feeling.
  • Appealing visuals in a montage can improve engagement and recall, particularly in educational settings.

Pop Culture

  • Montages are popular in music videos, combining various clips to enhance the song's meaning or energy.
  • The 'montage' technique became a staple in parody films, often humorously showcasing rapid, exaggerated sequences.
  • Television shows frequently use montages to quickly summarize events, making stories concise and impactful.

Literature

  • Writers sometimes create mental 'montages' by blending different narrative styles or voices in a single work.
  • Poetry can use montage-like techniques, stitching together different images or phrases to evoke strong emotions.
  • Experimental literature incorporates montage to challenge traditional storytelling methods.

Origin of 'montage'

Main points about word origin

  • 'Montage' comes from the French word meaning 'to assemble' or 'to put together.'
  • The term began to be used in the early 20th century, especially in film and art contexts.
  • It reflects a sense of building or creating something new from various components.

The term 'montage' originated from the French word 'monter,' meaning 'to mount.' It was initially used in the art of cinema to describe the editing technique of assembling different shots or scenes to create a cohesive narrative. The concept of montage has since evolved to encompass various forms of media, including video editing, photography, and visual arts.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,555, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.