Postcarded - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

sending a postcard

Postcarded is the past tense form of the verb 'postcard,' which means to send someone a postcard. In a digital age, this term may refer to sending someone a visual message or greeting that mimics the idea of a traditional postcard but is done via electronic means. While not as commonly used, it reflects a nostalgia for traditional means of communication.

Synonyms

mailed a postcard, sent a postcard.

Examples of usage

I postcarded my friends from the beach last summer.
She postcarded her family to share her travels abroad.
He often postcards his colleagues on special occasions.

Interesting Facts

History

The first official postcards were issued in Austria in 1869 and quickly spread across Europe.
In the early 20th century, postcards became a popular way for people to share travel experiences, especially during the rise of tourism.
World War I led to a significant increase in postcard production as soldiers sent updates back home.

Art

Postcards feature a variety of artistic styles, from classic art reproductions to modern graphic designs.
Many famous artists, such as Picasso and Cézanne, have had their work reproduced on postcards, making art accessible to the masses.
Postcard art can be a powerful tool in visual storytelling, capturing a moment or a place in a small format.

Cultural Significance

In Japan, the tradition of sending postcards, known as 'nengajo', involves sending New Year greetings, reflecting deep cultural values of connection and well-wishes.
In some cultures, sending a postcard is seen as a way to maintain relationships, even if you're far away, reinforcing the importance of staying in touch.
Postcards can also serve as mini time capsules, providing insights into historical events and societal changes over the decades.

Technology

With the rise of digital communication, traditional postcard sending has dramatically decreased, but online services now allow you to create and send digital postcards.
Augmented reality technology has started to influence postcards, where physical cards can include AR experiences when viewed through a smartphone app.
The concept of virtual postcards has emerged, allowing users to instantly share their locations and experiences via social media.

Psychology

Sending postcards can evoke positive emotions, reminding the sender of travel adventures and the places visited.
Research has shown that receiving postcards fosters a sense of connection and belonging, impacting mental well-being.
The act of writing and sending postcards can serve as a grounding practice, encouraging mindfulness and reflection on experiences.

Origin of 'postcarded'

The term 'postcarded' stems from the compound noun 'postcard,' which is derived from the combination of 'post,' meaning mail or postal service, and 'card,' referring to a flat, typically rectangular piece of thick paper or pasteboard. The postal card first became popular in the mid-to-late 19th century as a means of sending short messages without the envelope. As this form of communication grew in popularity, the act of sending postcards also became a social custom, particularly for travelers who wanted to share experiences with loved ones. The verb 'postcard' emerged later, capturing the action of sending a postcard. Over the years, the rise of digital communication has influenced the meaning of 'postcarded,' adapting it to fit modern communication practices while still retaining a hint of the traditional sense.

Postcarded Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations