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picture

/ˈpɪk.tʃər/
noun★Beginner— a visual representation or image
general

a visual representation or image, often created by drawing, painting, or photography

The artist displayed his latest picture at the gallery.

The artist showed his most recent visual representation at the gallery.

💡

Can also refer to a mental image or a scene in a movie or book.

figurative

a mental image or idea

I have a clear picture of what I want to achieve.

I have a vivid mental image of my goals.

💡

Used metaphorically to describe a clear understanding or vision.

Collocations

take a pictureto photograph somethingdraw a pictureto create a visual representation by handmental picturea vivid mental image

Synonyms

imageportraitillustrationphotographvisual

Antonyms

realityactualitynon-visual

Related Phrases

word picturephrase
a vivid description that creates a mental image
big picturephrase
the overall situation or main idea

💡Pro Tip

Literal vs. Figurative Use

Remember that 'picture' can refer to both physical images (like photographs) and abstract ideas (like mental images).

⚡Gold Rule

Common Collocations

'Take a picture' is the most common collocation, meaning to photograph something.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'pictur,' from Old French 'pictura,' from Latin 'pictura,' meaning 'painting,' from 'pingere' (to paint).

📝Usage Notes

Can be used both literally (a physical image) and figuratively (a mental image or idea).

Word Breakdown

pic
short for 'picture,' often used informally
root
+
-ture
a suffix indicating a state or condition
suffix
English Dictionary

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