Snapshot

/ˈsnæpˌʃɒt/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A snapshot is a photograph taken quickly, often without formal posing.

I took a quick snapshot of the sunset while driving.

An informal or brief summary or report about a situation.

The report provided a snapshot of the company's financial health.

A representation or overview of a certain moment or aspect.

Her article gave a snapshot of life in the 1980s.

verb

To take a quick photograph of something.

I decided to snapshot the beautiful garden for my album.

To capture a brief moment or piece of information.

She wanted to snapshot the conversation for her notes.

Etymology

The term 'snapshot' originated in the early 19th century from 'snap', meaning to take a quick shot, and 'shot', used in the sense of a photographic image.

Common Phrases and Expressions

snapshot in time

A moment captured or described that reflects a particular period.

take a snapshot

To quickly capture a moment or image.

snapshot judgment

A quick assessment or opinion formed without thorough analysis.

Related Words

photograph

An image created by light falling on a photosensitive surface.

camera

A device for capturing images electronically or chemically.

Slang Meanings

A quick or rough estimate of a situation.

Can you give me a snapshot of how the project is going?

An informal or basic photo taken on a phone.

I just took a quick snapshot of my lunch for Instagram.