Chapter Definition: Book Sections & Life Stages (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：section of a book (chapter)

chapter 🔊

/ˈtʃæp.tər/

A main section of a book, usually with a number or title.

Chapter 3 in a book with reader pointing

section of a book 🔊

➕

/ˈsek.ʃən əv ə bʊk/

A chapter is a main division of a book, typically indicated by a number or title, containing a coherent portion of the narrative or content.

📁 Category：School Education 🔖 Level：beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'capitulum' (little head), via Old French 'chapitre', referring to the heading of a text section.

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'choo-choo' train cars: each chapter is a car linked together to form the story train.

📖 Example

I make it a habit to read one chapter of a novel every night before bed. 🔊 I make it a habit to read one chapter of a novel every night before bed.

🔗 Collocations

first chapter – the initial main section of a book

final chapter – the last main section of a book

chapter book – a book divided into chapters, typically for children

🔄 Synonyms

section (n.) – a distinct part of a book or document

part (n.) – a portion or division of a whole work

division (n.) – a major segment or category within a book

🌱 Derivatives

chaptered (adj.) – having chapters

📖 Cultural Story

Originating from Latin 'capitulum' (little head), 'chapter' entered English via Old French. It originally meant the heading of a manuscript section. Today, it is widely used both for book divisions and metaphorically for life stages.

Meaning 2：period in life (chapter)

chapter 🔊

/ˈtʃæp.tər/

A distinct period or stage in someone's life, history, or a process.

period in life 🔊

➕

/ˈpɪr.i.əd ɪn laɪf/

A distinct period or stage in a person's life, history, or a process, often marked by a significant change or transition.

📁 Category：Time & Dates 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

Graduating from university and starting my first job felt like opening a new chapter in my life. 🔊 Graduating from university and starting my first job felt like opening a new chapter in my life.

🔗 Collocations

new chapter – a fresh period or beginning in one's life

dark chapter – a difficult or unpleasant period in history or someone's life

chapter of one's life – a specific phase or period in a person's life

🔄 Synonyms

phase (n.) – a distinct period or stage in a process of change or development

era (n.) – a long and distinct period of history with a particular feature

stage (n.) – a point, period, or step in a process or development