- "Photo" specifically refers to an image captured using a camera.
- "Picture" is a more general term for all kinds of images, including photographs, paintings, drawings, and illustrations.
📸 I took a beautiful photo of the mountain landscape during my hike.
🖼️ She hung a beautiful landscape picture in the living room.
What's the difference between "photo" and "picture"?
"Photo" specifically refers to a photograph taken with a camera, while "picture" is a more general term for all kinds of images, including paintings, drawings, illustrations, and photographs.
What does "photo" mean?
- Definition: "Photo" is a short form of "photograph," and it specifically refers to an image captured using a camera.
- Usage: It is commonly used to describe images taken with a camera, whether in digital or traditional film format.
- Context: You might say, "I took a photo of the sunset," referring to a picture captured with a camera.
Common phrases using "photo"
- Photo finish: A very close race or competition where the winner is determined by analyzing a photograph taken at the finish line.
- Photo op(portunity): A situation that is likely to be interesting or appealing when photographed, often used by public figures for publicity.
- Photo shoot: A session where a photographer takes a series of photographs, typically of a person or a group, often for professional or promotional purposes.
- Photo album: A book or collection of photographs, usually organized chronologically or thematically.
- Photo bomb: The act of intentionally inserting oneself into someone else's photograph, often in a humorous or unexpected way.
- Photojournalism: The practice of telling news stories through photographs, capturing real-life events and documenting them visually.
What does "picture" mean?
- Definition: "Picture" is a more general term that encompasses any visual representation or graphic image, including paintings, drawings, illustrations, and photographs.
- Usage: It is a broader term that can refer to any visual depiction, regardless of the method used to create it.
- Context: You might say, "I have a picture of my family on the wall," and that could mean a framed photograph or a painted portrait.
Common phrases using "picture"
- A picture is worth a thousand words: Expresses the idea that a complex idea or message can be conveyed more effectively through a single image than through a lengthy description.
- Paint a picture: To describe something vividly or provide a clear and detailed representation, often used in storytelling or communication.
- Picture-perfect: Refers to something that appears flawless or ideal, as if it were captured in a perfect photograph.
- In the picture: Involved or included in a situation or group; aware of what is happening.
- Get the picture: To understand or comprehend a situation or explanation.
- Big picture: Refers to an overall or comprehensive view of a situation, considering all relevant details and aspects.
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The use of "photo" and "picture" over time
The Ngram graph below shows how often "photo" and "picture" have been used from the 1800s to the 2000s. "Picture" has always been used significantly more frequently than "photo."
How do we pronounce "photo" vs. "picture"?
In American and British English, "photo" is pronounced like "fow·tow."
In American English, "picture" is pronounced like "pik·chr," while in British English, it's pronounced without the "r" at the end like "pik·chuh."
These are just the standard pronunciations, and there may be slight variations depending on regional accents and individual speech patterns.
Example sentences of "photo"
- She framed the memorable photo of her graduation day and placed it on the mantelpiece.
- The photographer captured the essence of the city in a stunning black-and-white photo.
- Can you send me a digital photo of the team for the presentation?
- The old album was filled with nostalgic photos from family gatherings and vacations.
- The journalist included a vivid photo to complement the news article.
- We gathered for a group photo to commemorate the end of the school year.
- The artist used the scenic photo as inspiration for a painting.
- He snapped a quick photo of the rare bird he spotted in the backyard.
- The wedding album was filled with candid photos capturing special moments.
- Social media platforms allow users to share and comment on each other's photos.
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Example sentences of "picture"
- The artist painted a vibrant picture of a bustling cityscape.
- Can you capture this moment with a quick picture on your phone?
- The family posed for a group picture to commemorate the reunion.
- The documentary painted a vivid picture of life in the ancient civilization.
- The journalist's article painted a grim picture of the environmental crisis.
- The photographer snapped a candid picture of the children playing in the park.
- The art gallery featured a diverse collection of abstract pictures.
- We took a scenic route to get a better picture of the breathtaking view.
- The detective tried to piece together a picture of the crime scene.
- The old album contained black-and-white pictures of generations past.
FAQ
Do you take a "photo" or a "picture"?
Both "take a photo" or "take a picture" can describe the action of capturing an image using a camera. Both are correct and widely accepted. The choice between the two terms is often a matter of personal preference.
Can a photo be called an image?
Yes, a photo can be called an image. An image refers to a visual representation or picture, and a photo is a specific type of image that is captured with a camera. So, all photos are images (but not all images are photos), just like all horses are animals (but not all animals are horses).
What is another name for a "photo"?
- Photograph
- Picture
- Image
- Snapshot
- Shot
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