Photograph: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ“ท
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photograph

 

[ หˆfษ™สŠ.tษ™.ษกrษ‘หf ]

Noun / Verb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Noun

capturing moments

A photograph is a picture that has been taken using a camera, typically to capture a moment, memory, or scene. Photographs can be printed or viewed digitally, and are often used to preserve memories or document events.

Synonyms

image, picture, snapshot.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
photograph

Use this term in formal or professional situations, such as in art galleries, exhibitions, or when discussing photography as a skill or profession.

  • The exhibition features stunning black-and-white photographs.
  • He has been a professional photographer for over ten years.
picture

A versatile word suitable for everyday conversation, informal contexts, or when referring to both photographs and drawings.

  • Can you take a picture of us?
  • I found a picture of my grandparents in an old album.
image

This word fits well in both general and technical contexts, such as when discussing digital media, computer graphics, or abstract portrayals.

  • The website needs high-resolution images to attract visitors.
  • She created a beautiful image with digital tools.
snapshot

Best used in casual or informal contexts, often referring to a quick, unplanned photo, often taken with a phone or a simple camera.

  • Hereโ€™s a snapshot from our vacation last summer.
  • She posted a snapshot of her lunch on social media.

Examples of usage

  • The photographer took a beautiful photograph of the sunset.
  • She keeps a photograph of her family on her desk.
  • I love looking at old photographs and reminiscing about the past.
Context #2 | Verb

taking pictures

To photograph means to take a picture using a camera. This action involves capturing a moment or scene on film or digitally. Photographing is a common practice for preserving memories or documenting events.

Synonyms

capture an image, snap a photo, take a picture.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
photograph

Often used in professional or formal settings to refer to the act of taking a picture using a camera or other device.

  • The photographer was hired to take a photograph of the wedding.
  • We need a professional to photograph our products for the catalog.
take a picture

General and commonly used in everyday language to refer to the act of photographing something, applicable in both informal and formal settings.

  • Could you take a picture of us in front of the Eiffel Tower?
  • She asked her friend to take a picture of her new haircut.
snap a photo

Informal and casual, usually referring to taking a quick or spontaneous picture, often with a smartphone or point-and-shoot camera.

  • She snapped a photo of her friends at the beach.
  • He quickly snapped a photo of the unusual artwork in the gallery.
capture an image

Typically used in more technical or detailed contexts, often when describing the process of getting a digital or technical representation of something.

  • The scientist needed to capture an image of the cells under the microscope.
  • He used a drone to capture an image of the entire property.

Examples of usage

  • He loves to photograph nature and wildlife.
  • She photographed the city skyline at night.
  • They hired a professional photographer to photograph their wedding.

Translations

Translations of the word "photograph" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น fotografia

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคซเฅ‹เคŸเฅ‹เค—เฅเคฐเคพเคซ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Fotografie

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ fotografi

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั„ะพั‚ะพะณั€ะฐั„ั–ั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ fotografia

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅ†™็œŸ (ใ—ใ‚ƒใ—ใ‚“)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท photographie

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ fotografรญa

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท fotoฤŸraf

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์‚ฌ์ง„ (sajin)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุตูˆุฑุฉ (แนฃลซra)

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ fotografie

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ fotografia

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็…ง็‰‡ (zhร opiร n)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ fotografija

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ ljรณsmynd

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั„ะพั‚ะพััƒั€ะตั‚

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒคแƒแƒขแƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ foto

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ fotografรญa

Etymology

The word 'photograph' originated from the combination of two Greek words, 'phลs' meaning 'light' and 'graphรฉ' meaning 'drawing or writing'. The term was first used in the 1830s to describe the process of capturing images using light-sensitive materials. As technology advanced, photography became a popular medium for art, journalism, and personal documentation.

See also: photo, photocopy, photoflash, photographer, photographic, photography, photos.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,656, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.