picture

UK: ˈpɪktʃə | US: ˈpɪktʃər

Definition

  1. n. a visual representation of a person, object, or scene, produced on a surface (e.g., drawing, painting, photograph)

  2. n. a mental image or impression

  3. vt. to represent or depict visually; to imagine

Structure
pict <paint, from Latin *pictus*>ure <noun suffix, from Latin *-ura*>
Etymology

The word "picture" traces back to the Latin pictura, derived from pictus (past participle of pingere, meaning "to paint"). The morpheme pict preserves the core idea of "painting" or "depicting," while -ure functions as a noun-forming suffix indicating the result of an action. Over time, the term expanded from literal painted artworks to encompass any visual representation, including photographs and mental imagery.

Examples

  1. She drew a colorful picture of her family.

  2. The book includes vivid pictures of ancient cities.

  3. Can you picture yourself living in another country?

  4. The artist’s pictures are displayed in galleries worldwide.

  5. His words painted a grim picture of the future.