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Snapshot Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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snapshot

[ˈsnæpˌʃɒt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

digital photography

A snapshot is a quick photograph taken without much thought or preparation. It captures a moment in time, often candid and spontaneous.

Synonyms

image, photo, picture.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
snapshot

A 'snapshot' is often used for informal or spontaneous photos taken quickly, without much preparation. It's frequently used when talking about capturing a moment in time.

  • She took a snapshot of her friends at the party.
  • I like to take snapshots of interesting things I see while traveling.
photo

'Photo' is short for 'photograph' and refers to a picture taken with a camera. It is commonly used in both casual and formal contexts.

  • I framed the photo of our family vacation.
  • Could you email me the photo from the event?
picture

A 'picture' is a broad term that can refer to photographs, drawings, and any other visual representation. It is often used in everyday language.

  • Can you take a picture of us?
  • I hung a beautiful picture on the wall.
image

The term 'image' is general and can refer to any visual representation, including photos, drawings, paintings, or digital creations. It is often used in a professional or technical context.

  • The website needs high-quality images to attract visitors.
  • This is a satellite image of the hurricane.

Examples of usage

  • Let me take a quick snapshot of you in front of the Eiffel Tower.
  • She always carries her camera with her, ready to capture snapshots of everyday life.
  • The snapshot she took of the sunset was absolutely stunning.
Context #2 | Noun

technology

In computing, a snapshot is a complete copy of a system's state at a specific point in time. It is often used for backup or system recovery purposes.

Synonyms

backup, copy, recovery.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
snapshot

Used when referring to a quick capture or moment in time, often in photography or computer states.

  • He took a snapshot of the beautiful sunset.
  • The IT department took a snapshot of the database to ensure they could restore it if needed.
copy

Used in a general sense to refer to making a duplicate of any item or document, not necessarily related to digital content.

  • She made a copy of the report for her own records.
  • He carefully copied the notes from the textbook.
backup

Used in the context of making a duplicate of data or information to prevent loss, often related to digital files or systems.

  • Always create a backup of your important files to avoid data loss.
  • The server failed, but thankfully we had a recent backup.
recovery

Used when referring to the act of restoring something to a previous or better condition, often after a failure or loss, particularly in technology or health.

  • The team worked on data recovery after the system crash.
  • Her quick recovery from the illness surprised everyone.

Examples of usage

  • The IT department took a snapshot of the server before making any changes.
  • You should create a snapshot of your virtual machine before installing new software.
Context #3 | Verb

quick action

To snapshot means to quickly take a photograph without much preparation or thought.

Synonyms

capture, photograph, take a photo.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
snapshot

Use this word when referring to an informal or quick picture, often taken without much thought or planning.

  • She took a quick snapshot of the sunset before it disappeared.
  • Can you send me a snapshot of your new car?
take a photo

This phrase is commonly used in everyday conversation to describe the act of using a camera to make an image.

  • Can you take a photo of us in front of the Eiffel Tower?
  • She took a photo of her meal to post on social media.
capture

This word is often used when talking about the act of catching a moment, emotion, or scene in a photograph or video.

  • He managed to capture the happiness on her face when she saw the surprise.
  • The photographer captured the essence of the festival beautifully.
photograph

A formal term for a picture, usually used in professional or more serious contexts.

  • The photograph of the landscape won first place in the contest.
  • She likes to look through old photographs of her family.

Examples of usage

  • She snapshot the beautiful scenery as they drove by.
  • He snapshot a picture of his friends at the party.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Technology

  • Digital snapshots can be taken instantly, and technology allows for editing and sharing in real-time.
  • Smartphone cameras have made taking snapshots incredibly easy, popularizing the term worldwide.
  • Many social media platforms are designed around sharing snapshots with friends and family.

Pop Culture

  • Snapshots often feature in movies and music videos as a way to convey personal stories and memories.
  • The term is commonly used in photography blogs and tutorials, showcasing both professional and casual photography.
  • Famous photographers have created legendary snapshot series, capturing everyday life and candid moments.

Psychology

  • Snapshots can evoke strong emotions, as they often capture significant life events and experiences.
  • Research suggests viewing old snapshots can trigger nostalgia, improving mood and well-being.
  • People often use snapshots as a way to document their life journey and remember important milestones.

Literature

  • Writers sometimes use the concept of snapshots to illustrate moments in character development or plot progress.
  • Metaphorical snapshots can be found in poetry, where a moment in time is captured in vivid imagery.
  • Certain novels utilize snapshots in settings and imagery to create an emotional connection with readers.

Origin of 'snapshot'

Main points about word origin

  • The word combines 'snap', meaning to make a quick sound, and 'shot', referring to a photograph.
  • It emerged in the early 19th century, coinciding with the invention of photography.
  • Originally, it referred to a quick shot in hunting before being applied to photography.

The term 'snapshot' originated in the mid-19th century in the context of photography. It refers to a quick, impromptu photograph taken with a camera. Over time, the term has also been adopted in computing to describe a quick copy of a system's state. The word 'snapshot' combines 'snap,' meaning to quickly capture, and 'shot,' referring to a photograph. Today, the term is commonly used in both photography and technology to describe a quick, often spontaneous capture of a moment or system state.

See also: snap, snapper, snappiness, snapping, snappishly, snaps.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,313, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.