Pamphlet: meaning, definitions and examples

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pamphlet

 

[ˈpæmflət ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

printed material

A small booklet or leaflet containing information or arguments about a single subject.

Synonyms

booklet, brochure, leaflet.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pamphlet

Use when referring to a small book or booklet that contains information on a particular subject or topic, often educational or informative in nature.

  • The library is giving out pamphlets about local history.
  • She wrote a pamphlet on healthy eating habits.
leaflet

Perfect for small, single-page printed materials distributed for informational or advertisement purposes. Often used for flyering or handouts.

  • Volunteers handed out leaflets about the upcoming election in the town square.
  • A leaflet on recycling was left on my doorstep.
brochure

Typically used in a marketing or promotional context, a brochure is a small book or magazine that contains pictures and information about a product or service.

  • We picked up several travel brochures at the tourist information center.
  • The company distributed brochures to advertise their new product line.
booklet

Appropriate for referring to a small, bound book, often with a few pages, that is informational or instructional.

  • The event organizers handed out booklets with the event schedule.
  • I received a booklet that explains all the benefits of the new health program.

Examples of usage

  • He handed out pamphlets about the upcoming election.
  • The hotel provides guests with pamphlets about local attractions.
Context #2 | Noun

propaganda

A piece of writing that attempts to persuade or influence opinions, often containing biased or misleading information.

Synonyms

brochure, leaflet, propaganda.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pamphlet

Used for a small book or booklet containing information or arguments about a single subject. Often used in academic or detailed informational contexts.

  • The university distributed a pamphlet about the benefits of studying abroad.
  • She wrote a pamphlet on the history of the local community.
propaganda

Used for biased or misleading information spread to promote a particular point of view or political cause. Often has a negative connotation.

  • During the election period, there was a lot of propaganda on social media.
  • The government was accused of using propaganda to influence public opinion.
leaflet

Used for a small sheet of printed paper, often used for advertising, informing or persuading. Generally handed out in public places or included in other communicative materials.

  • Volunteers distributed leaflets about the charity event in the park.
  • A leaflet about recycling was included with the utility bill.
brochure

Used for a small booklet or pamphlet, often advertising a product or service, usually containing images and key points.

  • The travel agency handed out brochures for their holiday packages.
  • At the car dealership, they gave us a brochure with details of all the latest models.

Examples of usage

  • The pamphlet was full of propaganda designed to sway voters.
  • They distributed pamphlets promoting their political agenda.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term 'pamphlet' comes from the Latin word 'pamphilus', which means 'a short book' or 'a lengthy letter'.
  • The word was first used in the 16th century when it referred to a small, unbound booklet.
  • Originally, pamphlets were often used for poetry and literary work, showcasing the creative side of written communication.

Historical Origins

  • Pamphlets were widely used by political activists in the 18th and 19th centuries to spread their messages before the age of mass media.
  • During the French Revolution, pamphlets played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and rallying support for revolutionary ideas.
  • The printing press significantly boosted the production of pamphlets, allowing ideas to spread quickly and widely.

Pop Culture

  • In the modern world, many organizations create pamphlets for awareness campaigns, like health, environment, and education.
  • Pamphlets are often found at events like fairs and festivals, providing visitors with essential information in an easy-to-read format.
  • They have re-emerged in digital format, with online pamphlets (or e-pamphlets) being used in social media campaigns.

Science

  • Pamphlets in health sectors often summarize critical information about diseases, treatments, and preventative measures for quick understanding.
  • Research shows that pamphlets can significantly enhance patient understanding and engagement when they include visuals and straightforward language.
  • In educational settings, science pamphlets allow students to summarize complex topics into digestible parts, promoting better learning outcomes.

Psychology

  • Pamphleteering can influence public perception and behavior, as the presentation and design can alter understanding and engagement.
  • Psychologically, colorful pamphlets catch attention better, making them effective tools for marketers and educators.
  • Providing information in pamphlet form can help people process and retain information better than when presented in dense texts.

Translations

Translations of the word "pamphlet" in other languages:

🇵🇹 folheto

🇮🇳 पुस्तिका

🇩🇪 Broschüre

🇮🇩 brosur

🇺🇦 брошура

🇵🇱 broszura

🇯🇵 パンフレット

🇫🇷 brochure

🇪🇸 folleto

🇹🇷 broşür

🇰🇷 팸플릿

🇸🇦 كتيب

🇨🇿 brožura

🇸🇰 brožúra

🇨🇳 小册子

🇸🇮 brošura

🇮🇸 bæklingur

🇰🇿 брошюра

🇬🇪 ბროშურა

🇦🇿 broşür

🇲🇽 folleto

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,695 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.