pictures - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
pictures Word Meanings
- an image produced by a painting or photography
- a description or portrayal of something
- to imagine or visualize something mentally
pictures Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
pictures Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈpɪk.tʃə/
US
/ˈpɪk.tʃɚ/
pictures Word Etymology
Picture: pict- = to paint, -ure = noun suffix; Latin pictura → Old French piccture → English picture. Imagine a beautiful painting that captures a scene perfectly; visualize it framed on a wall.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I lift the corner of the photo and move it toward the lamp to catch the light. I adjust the angle and hold it there as the colors shift with the glow. I let my mind drift and try to picture the scene in my head. The moment settles and I keep the image ready to revisit later.
Real Context
Picture is a versatile English word with two main core senses: as a noun it names a visual image produced by painting, drawing, or photography, and as a verb it means to form a mental image or to imagine something. In everyday speech you can talk about a picture on the wall, a group picture from a trip, or the vivid picture you have in your mind of a future plan. Learners should keep the concrete sense separate from the mental one, and notice collocations like picture the future or picture yourself achieving your goals. The word traces to Latin pictura and Old French piccture, reinforcing the painting-and-imagining idea across languages.
Usage Reminders
- Remember both noun and verb senses of picture.
- Use picture with 'of' when talking about a visual image.
- To imagine something, say 'to picture the [future/scene]'.
- Watch fixed phrases like picture-perfect and picture yourself.
- Differentiate picture from image or photo in context.
- Note the origin: pictura (Latin) leads to painting.
Common Misconceptions
- Picture always means a photograph, not a drawing or painting.
- The verb picture only means imagining, never describing.
- You can use picture interchangeably with image in all contexts.
- To picture something means to describe it in detail immediately.
- Picture-perfect always refers to a real photo being perfect.
Thinking Differences
In English, picture blends a concrete image with the act of imagining; context often tells you which sense is meant, which can be confusing for learners who assume only one meaning exists.
Learning Tips
- Practice both senses with simple sentences.
- Make a mental picture of future goals using 'picture the future'.
- Use 'picture of' for tangible images, and 'picture yourself' for imagining yourself.
- Learn fixed phrases: picture-perfect, in the picture.
- Compare with synonyms like image and photograph to notice nuances.
- Read or listen to examples in context to hear which meaning fits.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'pictures'?
A.Expressions of thought through spoken words
B.Images captured or created, typically on a surface like paper or a screen
C.Movements or actions in a dance
D.Sounds produced by instruments
Step 2: Usage
Which of the following sentences uses the word 'pictures' correctly?
A.He took pictures of the sunset at the beach.
B.She quickly read the pictures in the book.
C.The pictures can sing beautifully.
D.We have to cook the pictures before dinner.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'pictures'?
A.Colors
B.Books
C.Photos
D.Numbers
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of the word 'pictures'?
A.Blur
B.Words
C.Reality
D.Songs
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where you might use the word 'pictures'?
A.Many people enjoy capturing moments through various forms of art.
B.She often chooses to tell stories with her camera.
C.They displayed the pictures from their vacation at home.
D.He prefers to express ideas through written text.
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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