Picture Meaning
Picture Definition & Usage
A visual representation or image created through drawing, painting, photography, or other means.
Examples
- "The gallery is exhibiting pictures from the 19th century."
- "She showed me a picture of her new puppy."
- "He took a picture of the sunset on his phone."
- "The artist painted a picture of the city skyline."
- "I can't find the picture of my family vacation, I must have lost it."
A mental image or impression of someone or something.
Examples
- "I have a picture of what the house will look like once it’s renovated."
- "She painted a picture of a beautiful garden in her mind."
- "From his description, I was able to form a picture of the place."
- "He had a clear picture of how the project should unfold."
- "Do you have a picture in your mind of how you want your wedding to be?"
To form a mental image or vision of something, or to describe something vividly.
Examples
- "He pictured himself winning the race and feeling triumphant."
- "Can you picture a world where everyone lives in peace?"
- "She pictured the house decorated for Christmas, complete with a tree by the window."
- "I can’t picture why anyone would want to live there."
- "The director pictured a dramatic scene with dark clouds and a roaring ocean."
The phrase 'a picture is worth a thousand words' is used to suggest that images can convey complex ideas more effectively than words.
Examples
- "He didn’t need to explain further; the picture told the story perfectly. A picture is worth a thousand words."
- "Her photograph of the city skyline at dusk was stunning; it was clear that a picture was worth a thousand words."
- "I think the presentation would be better with more visuals – after all, a picture is worth a thousand words."
- "When describing the tragedy, words failed him, but the picture he showed spoke volumes."
- "Rather than explaining his vacation, he just showed us the picture, and it said everything."
Cultural Context
The concept of a 'picture' has evolved over time. From the earliest cave paintings to the rise of photography in the 19th century, pictures have served as a means of recording and communicating human experiences. In modern times, digital images and visual media play a central role in art, communication, social media, and even education.
The Picture That Told a Story
Story
The Picture That Told a Story
Emily sat quietly in the small café, the steaming cup of coffee warming her hands. Across from her, a faded picture lay on the table, one she had found in her grandmother's old photo album just hours before. The picture was of a young couple standing on the steps of a quaint house, both smiling in the soft light of an early spring afternoon. Her grandmother, a sharp woman with a keen memory, had often spoken about her early life, but this picture brought it all to life in a way words could not. 'Wow, this is incredible,' Emily said softly, tracing the edge of the photo with her finger. 'I can’t believe this is the same house you grew up in.' Her grandmother smiled, her eyes softening. 'It’s strange, isn’t it? A picture is worth a thousand words, but sometimes, the real story isn't in the photo itself but in the memories behind it.' As Emily studied the picture, she felt as if she could almost hear the laughter of the people in it, see the gentle sway of the trees in the background, and smell the fresh spring air. She pictured the young couple, so full of dreams, standing there just before they embarked on a new chapter of their lives. Later, after leaving the café, Emily couldn’t shake the picture from her mind. She had never seen her grandmother so nostalgic. In that moment, Emily realized that this simple image encapsulated a lifetime of untold stories – stories of love, loss, and resilience. She pulled out her phone to take a picture of the photo. It was important, she thought, to preserve not just the image but the feelings it stirred inside her. When Emily returned home, she placed the picture in a frame and hung it on her wall. As she looked at it every day, she saw not just the house and the couple, but a picture of the life she hoped to build – full of meaning, memories, and love. A picture truly could tell a thousand words, but some stories, she realized, could never be fully captured. The simple photograph had become a symbol of everything her grandmother had imparted to her over the years – a reminder that while words were powerful, pictures had the unique ability to transcend time and space.
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