Subtitles: meaning, definitions and examples

The word 'subtitle' has its origins in the early 20th century, combining the prefix 'sub-' meaning 'under' or 'below' with 'title', referring to titles of films or television shows. The concept became increasingly relevant with the advent of film technology, where dialogue in foreign languages required translation for audiences. The first known use of the term subtitles can be traced back to the 1920s when they were primarily used in silent films to provide dialogue and descriptions. Over time, as films transitioned to sound, subtitles also evolved to accommodate spoken dialogue in various languages, facilitating international cinema and making films accessible to a broader audience. In the digital age, subtitles have taken on new forms, including closed captions that provide additional information for those who may be deaf or hard of hearing, thus enhancing the viewing experience across diverse populations.

At rank #26,285, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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• 26282 cavalcade
• 26283 overdrawn
• 26284 dissonant
• 26285 subtitles
• 26286 ideational
• 26287 gunned
• 26288 popularize
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