Photos Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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photos

[หˆfษ™สŠtษ™สŠz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

digital

Images taken with a camera or generated by computer.

Synonyms

images, photographs, pictures.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
photos

Informal conversations or social media. Used when referring to casual snapshots taken on a phone or camera.

  • I took some great photos at the party last night.
  • Check out these photos from my vacation.
pictures

Everyday usage among most age groups. It can be more general and include drawings or paintings, not just photos.

  • Let's take a picture together!
  • The children drew beautiful pictures in art class.
images

More formal or technical contexts. Used when referring to digital files or visual representations, not necessarily taken with a camera.

  • The website needs high-resolution images.
  • An MRI scan produces detailed images of the brain.
photographs

Formal contexts or when emphasizing the artistic or professional quality of the picture. Commonly used in art, journalism, and professional photography.

  • Her exhibition features stunning black-and-white photographs.
  • The journalist took several photographs at the event.

Examples of usage

  • I love taking photos of nature.
  • She posted some beautiful photos on social media.
Context #2 | Verb

casual

To take a photograph.

Synonyms

capture, snap, take a picture.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
photos

Used in general talk about pictures taken with a camera or phone. It is the most neutral and versatile term.

  • I have some old family photos I want to show you.
  • She posted photos from her vacation on social media.
take a picture

A straightforward way to talk about using a camera or phone to create an image. It is clear and easily understood.

  • Can you take a picture of us?
  • I took a picture of the beautiful landscape.
capture

Implies a more thoughtful or artistic process of taking pictures. Can also indicate capturing a moment or emotion effectively.

  • He managed to capture the beauty of the sunset perfectly.
  • The artist captured the essence of the city in his photos.
snap

Suggests taking a quick or spontaneous picture. It often has a casual or informal tone.

  • Let's snap a quick selfie before we go.
  • She snapped a photo of the dog chasing its tail.

Examples of usage

  • Can you please photo us at the party?
  • He likes to photo everything he sees.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The first permanent photograph, 'View from the Window at Le Gras,' was taken in 1826 by Joseph Nicรฉphore Niรฉpce.
  • In the late 1800s, George Eastman invented the Kodak camera, making photography accessible to the general public.
  • The use of photos in newspapers began in the 1880s, transforming journalism and storytelling.

Science

  • Photos are created when light hits a sensor or film, capturing the colors and details of a scene.
  • The process of developing photos involves chemical reactions that bring an image to life on paper.
  • Digital photos use pixels to create images, where each pixel represents a tiny part of the overall picture.

Cultural Significance

  • Photos have transformed the way we document and share our lives, influencing social media culture.
  • They serve as important historical records, allowing us to see how people and places looked in the past.
  • Photography is a form of art, used by famous artists to express emotions and tell stories.

Technology

  • Advances in smartphone technology have made photography a universal activity, allowing everyone to take high-quality photos.
  • Editing software lets users enhance and manipulate photos, making them more appealing or artistic.
  • The rise of digital photography has led to the creation of online platforms where users can share and store photos.

Origin of 'photos'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'photo' comes from the Greek word 'phos,' meaning 'light.'
  • It originally referenced writing with light, as early photography techniques involved light-sensitive materials.
  • The term was first used in the 1830s when photography was becoming popular.

The word 'photos' is a shortened form of 'photographs', which originated from the combination of two Greek words: 'phลs', meaning 'light', and 'graphฤ“', meaning 'drawing or writing'. The concept of capturing images using light-sensitive materials dates back to ancient civilizations, but photography as we know it today began to develop in the early 19th century with the invention of the camera.


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

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,427 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.