What is capture? Pronunciation and usage in English

capture means . Learn how to pronounce and use capture through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of capture

captureverb

/ˈkaptʃə/
Definition & pronunciation of capture

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "capture" in English. It can be tricky for some learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. The Core Sound:

  • "cap": This part is fairly straightforward. It sounds like "cap" as in "a cap." (IPA: /kæp/)
  • "ture": This is the trickier part. It's a voiceless "ture" sound.

2. Breaking it Down Phonetically (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

/ˈkæpˌtʃər/

Let's break that down:

  • ˈkæp: Stress is on the first syllable. The "a" as in "cap" is open, like in "father."
  • ˌtʃər: This is the key. The 'ch' sound is like in "chair". The 'ər' is a schwa sound – a very short, unstressed “uh” sound like in “about.” It’s a subtle sound, and many people shorten it.

3. How to Say It (Step-by-Step):

  1. Start with "cap": Say "cap" clearly.
  2. Add the "ch" sound: Say "ch" like in "chair."
  3. Add the short "uh" sound: Say “uh” quickly after the "ch". (like the “a” in “about”)

Putting it all together: "Kap-cher" (with that quick "uh" sound at the end. It shouldn’t be a drawn-out “cher.”)

Tips for Getting it Right:

  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it pronounced correctly. Search online for "how to pronounce capture" on YouTube or use a dictionary like Merriam-Webster or Cambridge Dictionary which has audio pronunciations.
  • Record yourself: Record yourself saying the word and compare it to a native speaker's pronunciation.
  • Focus on the "ch" sound: That's often the most challenging part for learners.
  • Don't over-emphasize the "ture": It’s a linked sound, not a separate syllable.

Resources to Listen:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you a similar word to practice?

Usage and examples with the word capture in English

Let's break down how to use the word "capture" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings! Here's a breakdown by category, with examples:

1. To Take or Seize (Often Physically)

  • Meaning: To grab, hold, or take something or someone by force or without permission. This is the most common, literal meaning.
  • Examples:
    • "The police captured the suspect after a lengthy chase." (caught)
    • "The army captured the enemy stronghold." (took)
    • "He captured the butterfly in a jar." (held)
    • "The photographer captured a stunning image of the sunset." (photographed)

2. To Record or Document (Images, Sounds, Ideas)

  • Meaning: To record something permanently, usually visually or audibly. It often implies a sense of skill or artistry.
  • Examples:
    • "The painter captured the mood of the rainy day perfectly in his brushstrokes." (represented)
    • "The journalist captured the raw emotion of the interview." (documented)
    • "The camera captured a fleeting moment of joy." (recorded)
    • “The composer captured the essence of the poem in his music.” (expressed)

3. To Trap or Ensnare (Figurative)

  • Meaning: To trap someone's attention, interest, or emotions. This is a more figurative use.
  • Examples:
    • "Her wit captured his attention immediately." (attracted)
    • "The movie captured the hearts of millions." (won over)
    • "The politician’s speech captured the public’s imagination." (inspired)
    • “His story captured my attention.” (held me interested)

4. To Retain or Preserve (Memories, Feelings)

  • Meaning: To hold onto or keep something, often a memory or a feeling.
  • Examples:
    • “I try to capture the feeling of childhood summers.” (preserve)
    • "She wanted to capture the essence of her grandmother’s cooking." (preserve)

5. In Computing/Technology (Data)

  • Meaning: To save or retrieve data.
  • Examples:
    • "The system captured the log files." (recorded)
    • “The software captured my screen activity.” (recorded)

6. (Less Common) To Capture a Creature (Especially Animals) - Often used in a hunting context.

  • Example: “The falconer captured the hawk for training.”

Key Considerations & Nuances:

  • Tense: "Capture" is typically used in the past tense ("captured") and the present perfect ("has captured").
  • Phrases: You'll often hear phrases using "capture," like "capture the imagination," "capture the moment," or "capture the essence."
  • Synonyms: Depending on the context, synonyms could be take, seize, record, document, hold, retain, catch, or obtain.

How to Choose the Right Meaning:

Think about what is being captured and how it’s being captured:

  • Physical taking? Use it with verbs like "grab," "take," "seize."
  • Recording an image or sound? Use it with verbs like "photograph," "record," "document."
  • Influencing someone's attention? Use it with verbs like "attract," "win over," "inspire."

Could you give me a sentence where you'd like to use the word "capture," and I can help you phrase it correctly? Or, would you like me to explain a specific aspect of its usage in more detail (e.g., the difference between "capture" and "catch")?

Synonyms for the word capture

Practice with vocabulary capture

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The photographer managed to _____ the essence of the sunset in her picture.
  2. During the meeting, we discussed strategies to _____ customer interest effectively.
  3. The scientist aimed to _____ the data accurately to ensure reliable results.
  4. The journalist wanted to _____ the emotions of the protestors in her article.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which word best describes the act of recording a moment or event?
    a) Ignore
    b) Capture
    c) Release
    d) Forget

  2. In marketing, what is the primary goal of a compelling advertisement?
    a) To confuse the audience
    b) To capture attention
    c) To avoid customers
    d) To delay decisions

  3. Which of the following words can replace "capture" in the context of winning someone’s interest?
    a) Engage
    b) Capture
    c) Release
    d) Misplace

  4. What is the main purpose of a wildlife camera in a forest?
    a) To disturb animals
    b) To capture images of animals
    c) To scare predators
    d) To reduce biodiversity

  5. Which word fits best in this sentence: "The artist tried to _____ the beauty of the landscape"?
    a) Destroy
    b) Capture
    c) Forget
    d) Ignore

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The writer described the scene vividly in her novel.
    Rewrite:

  2. Original: The team hoped to document the key points of the presentation.
    Rewrite:

  3. Original: The artist painted the mountain range with great detail.
    Rewrite:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. capture
  2. capture
  3. collect
  4. convey

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) Capture
  2. b) Capture attention
  3. a) Engage / b) Capture
  4. b) To capture images of animals
  5. b) Capture

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The writer managed to capture the scene vividly in her novel.
  2. The team aimed to capture the key points of the presentation.
  3. The artist depicted the mountain range with great detail.

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