snap

/snæp/

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Sure! Let’s break down the word "snap" in an easy way for you to understand.

Basic Definition:

"Snap" can be used as both a noun and a verb, and it has several meanings.

As a Noun:

1. American Football: It refers to the action of putting the ball in play by passing it between the player's legs to the quarterback.

   • Example: "The quarterback fumbled the snap."

2. Finger Movement: It means the sound or action of snapping fingers when you quickly move your fingers from the tip to the base of your thumb.

   • Example: "He gave his fingers a snap to get everyone's attention."

3. Easy Task: It can also describe something that is easy to do.

   • Example: "The test was a snap for her."

4. Fastener: It refers to a small fastener on clothing that makes a snapping sound when closed.

   • Example: "Children can manage snaps better than buttons."

5. Photograph: An informal photo, usually taken quickly or casually.

   • Example: "I took a few snapshots of my vacation."

6. Sudden Noise: It can describe a sudden breaking sound, like the crack of a twig.

   • Example: "He heard the snap of a twig behind him."

As a Verb:

1. To Take a Photo: It means to take a picture quickly.

   • Example: "She snapped a picture of the sunset."

2. To Break Suddenly: It can mean to break something suddenly or abruptly.

   • Example: "The rope snapped under the weight."

3. To Speak Sharply: It means to respond in a quick, angry, or abrupt manner.

   • Example: "The sales clerk snapped a reply at the rude customer."

Advanced Usage:

• "Snap" as a reaction: When someone "snaps," it can also mean losing control of emotions.
  • Example: "After a long day, he finally snapped when he heard the bad news."

Word Variants:

• Snapper: This can refer to someone who takes quick photos or a type of fish.
• Snapping: The action of making a snapping sound or taking photos quickly.

Different Meanings:

• Cold Snap: A sudden short period of cold weather.
  • Example: "We had a cold snap in May."

Synonyms:

• For the noun (photograph): Snapshot, picture.
• For the verb (take a photo): Photograph, capture.
• For the verb (speak sharply): Snarl, retort.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "At the snap of your fingers": This means to do something immediately or without delay.

  • Example: "He can get what he wants at the snap of his fingers."

• "Snap to it": This means to get started on something quickly or to hurry up.

  • Example: "If we want to finish on time, we need to snap to it!"

Summary:

"Snap" is a versatile word that can refer to actions, sounds, and even emotions. It can be used in many contexts, from sports to photography to everyday tasks.

Academic

Noun

1. (American football) putting the ball in play by passing it (between the legs) to a back
   • the quarterback fumbled the snap
2. the act of snapping the fingers; movement of a finger from the tip to the base of the thumb on the same hand
   • he gave his fingers a snap
3. any undertaking that is easy to do
   • marketing this product will be no picnic
4. a fastener used on clothing; fastens with a snapping sound
   • children can manage snaps better than buttons
5. an informal photograph; usually made with a small hand-held camera
   • my snapshots haven't been developed yet
   • he tried to get unposed shots of his friends
6. the tendency of a body to return to its original shape after it has been stretched or compressed
   • the waistband had lost its snap
7. a sudden breaking
8. a sudden sharp noise
   • the crack of a whip
   • he heard the cracking of the ice
   • he can hear the snap of a twig
9. the noise produced by the rapid movement of a finger from the tip to the base of the thumb on the same hand
   • servants appeared at the snap of his fingers
10. a crisp round cookie flavored with ginger
11. tender green beans without strings that easily snap into sections
12. a spell of cold weather
    • a cold snap in the middle of May
13. the act of catching an object with the hands
    • Mays made the catch with his back to the plate
    • he made a grab for the ball before it landed
    • Martin's snatch at the bridle failed and the horse raced away
    • the infielder's snap and throw was a single motion

Verb

1. record on photographic film
   • I photographed the scene of the accident
   • She snapped a picture of the President
2. bring the jaws together
   • he snapped indignantly
3. lose control of one's emotions
   • When she heard that she had not passed the exam, she lost it completely
   • When her baby died, she snapped
4. cause to make a snapping sound
   • snap your fingers
5. put in play with a snap
   • snap a football
6. to grasp hastily or eagerly
   • Before I could stop him the dog snatched the ham bone
7. move with a snapping sound
   • bullets snapped past us
8. make a sharp sound
   • his fingers snapped
9. close with a snapping motion
   • The lock snapped shut
10. move or strike with a noise
    • he clicked on the light
    • his arm was snapped forward
11. break suddenly and abruptly, as under tension
    • The pipe snapped
12. separate or cause to separate abruptly
    • The rope snapped
    • tear the paper
13. utter in an angry, sharp, or abrupt tone
    • The sales clerk snapped a reply at the angry customer
    • The guard snarled at us

Synonyms

• centering
• cinch
• breeze
• picnic
• duck soup
• child's play
• pushover
• walkover
• piece of cake
• snap fastener
• press stud
• snapshot
• shot
• elasticity
• crack
• cracking
• gingersnap
• ginger snap
• ginger nut
• snap bean
• catch
• grab
• snatch
• photograph
• shoot
• break down
• lose it
• click
• f