Chapter Meaning
Chapter Definition & Usage
A distinct section of a written work, typically a book, that is marked by a number or title and contains a self-contained portion of the narrative or subject.
Examples
- "The first chapter of the novel introduces the main characters and sets the scene."
- "She eagerly flipped through the chapters of the book to find the conclusion."
- "Chapter five of the history book focuses on the rise of the Roman Empire."
- "Each chapter in the guidebook offers practical tips for different stages of travel."
- "The book is divided into ten chapters, each exploring a different theme."
A significant period or event in one's life, often used metaphorically to describe a phase or stage in personal history.
Examples
- "After the divorce, she felt like she was starting a new chapter in her life."
- "Moving to Paris marked a new chapter in his career as a chef."
- "Their relationship ended, but it was just the closing chapter of their time together."
- "Starting college was a whole new chapter, full of possibilities."
- "He looked back on his childhood and felt grateful for that chapter of his life."
A division or section of a religious text, such as the Bible or Quran.
Examples
- "He read aloud from Chapter 3 of the Gospel of John during the service."
- "The priest opened the Bible to Chapter 10 of the Book of Psalms."
- "In the Quran, each chapter is called a 'Surah'."
- "Many verses of Chapter 2 emphasize the importance of patience and perseverance."
- "The chapter from the Bhagavad Gita provided insight into ethical dilemmas."
Cultural Context
The word 'chapter' originally comes from the Latin 'capitulum', meaning 'little head', which referred to the headings of sections in books or documents. In literature, it has come to symbolize a portion of a narrative or discourse, offering a clear demarcation in longer works. In the context of religious texts, chapters help facilitate reference and memorization.
A New Chapter
Story
A New Chapter
Sarah sat down with a sigh, looking at the last few pages of the book. The final chapter was nearly upon her, and she had mixed feelings about the end of the story. It had been a thrilling journey through the twists and turns of the characters' lives, but now she was about to reach the final conclusion. It felt like an odd mirror to her own life, where she was on the cusp of a new chapter herself. The phone buzzed in her pocket, interrupting her thoughts. It was a message from her childhood friend, Hannah: 'I heard you’re moving to a new city. That’s a big change! How’s it feel to turn the page on that chapter of your life?' Sarah smiled and quickly typed back: 'It’s exciting but also a little terrifying. It’s a whole new chapter, and I’m ready to embrace it.' As she finished the book and closed it with a satisfying thud, she looked around her apartment, thinking about all the years she had spent here. This place had been home, but now, as she packed her bags for the new city, it felt like she was closing the book on this chapter. She was ready to begin the next one. The next day, Sarah stood at the front door of her new apartment in a city that buzzed with possibilities. The moving van had already left, and all her belongings were now neatly arranged in the space that would be her home for the next several years. 'This is it,' she thought, 'a new chapter, a new beginning.' Sarah had no idea what adventures awaited her in this next stage, but she knew one thing for sure: no matter what happened, she would always look back on the chapter she had just completed with a sense of pride and accomplishment.
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