Reading Theme:
Snap: Definitions, Usage & Example Sentences (3 meaning)
Meaning 1：take a quick photo (snap)
snap
/snæp/
v.
to take a quick photograph with a camera or phone.
take a quick photo
➕
/teɪk ə kwɪk ˈfoʊtoʊ/
v.
To capture a picture quickly and spontaneously, especially with a camera or smartphone.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Middle Dutch or Middle Low German 'snappen', meaning 'to bite or seize'.
💡 Mnemonic
SNAP! goes the camera, the twig, and your temper. One sound for three quick, sharp actions.
📖 Example
She quickly snapped a picture of the beautiful sunset before it disappeared.
She quickly took a quick photo of the beautiful sunset before it vanished.
🔗 Collocations
snap a photo/picture – to take a photograph quickly
snap away – to take many photographs continuously
snap on the phone – to take a picture using a mobile phone
🔄 Synonyms
photograph (v.) – to take a picture using a camera
capture (v.) – to record or take a picture of something
shoot (v.) – to photograph or film something
🚫 Antonyms
pose (v.) – to sit or stand in a particular position to be photographed or painted
🌱 Derivatives
snapshot (n.) – a casual photograph taken quickly
📖 Cultural Story
The word 'snap' is onomatopoeic, imitating a sharp, sudden sound. Its core idea of a quick, sharp action led to meanings like breaking, speaking sharply, and taking an instant photo in the 20th century.
Meaning 2：break suddenly (snap)
snap
/snæp/
v.
to break something suddenly and completely, often with a sharp sound.
break suddenly
➕
/breɪk ˈsʌdənli/
v.
To separate into parts suddenly and completely, often producing a sharp, cracking sound.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The child accidentally stepped on the dry twig and snapped it in two.
The child accidentally stepped on the dry twig and broke it suddenly into two pieces.
🔗 Collocations
snap in two/half – to break into two pieces
snap shut – to close quickly with a sharp sound
snap under pressure – to break because too much force is applied
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
Meaning 3：speak sharply (snap)
snap
/snæp/
v.
to speak to someone suddenly in an angry or impatient way.
speak sharply
➕
/spiːk ˈʃɑːrpli/
v.
To speak to someone abruptly in an angry, irritable, or impatient manner.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The teacher usually is very patient, but she finally snapped at the students who kept talking during the lecture.
The teacher is usually very patient, but she finally spoke sharply to the students who kept talking during the lecture.
🔗 Collocations
snap at someone – to speak sharply or angrily to someone
snap back – to reply quickly and angrily
lose one's temper/snap – to suddenly become very angry
🔄 Synonyms
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