ENGLISH
REFERENCE

captured

v.
B1 Intermediate US //ˈkæptʃɝd// UK //kˈæptʃəd// cap·tured

v. to catch someone or something and keep them as a prisoner. It can also mean to record a feeling or a moment using a camera or art.

v. to take into one's possession or control by force or stratagem; to succeed in representing or recording a fleeting mood or image. Transitive — requires a direct object.


SIMPLE

The soldiers captured the enemy fort during the night.

CONTEXTUAL

The photographer captured the exact moment the sun dipped below the horizon, creating a stunning silhouette.

COMPLEX

The novelist's latest work successfully captured the growing sense of disillusionment felt by the post-war generation, earning her widespread critical acclaim for its emotional authenticity.

Synonyms
Usage

The verb is transitive and takes a direct object; in passive constructions, it often pairs with 'by'.

Pitfall

The photo was capture yesterdayThe photo was captured yesterdayLearners often forget the '-ed' suffix when using the word in the passive voice.

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