Word
snapping
Phoneticssnap·ping, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsnæpɪŋ/
UK/snˈæpɪŋ/
Definitions
01breaking with a sound
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. breaking something suddenly with a sharp, cracking noise.
v. breaking or cracking with a sudden, sharp sound; often used to describe brittle materials under tension.
“The dry branches were snapping under our feet as we walked through the woods.”
“The sound of snapping twigs alerted the hikers to the presence of a large animal moving through the dense underbrush.”
Synonyms
02speaking sharply
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. speaking to someone in a quick, angry, or annoyed way.
v. addressing someone with sudden irritability or sharp, impatient language.
“I'm sorry for snapping at you earlier; I was just very stressed about work.”
“The manager had a habit of snapping at his subordinates whenever the quarterly figures failed to meet his expectations.”
03taking a photo
B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal
v. taking a quick, informal photograph of something.
v. taking a photograph, typically in a quick or informal manner without extensive preparation.
“She spent the whole afternoon snapping photos of the street performers.”
“Tourists were snapping pictures of the monument from every conceivable angle, oblivious to the local traffic.”
Synonyms
Usage
When meaning 'to speak sharply', it is intransitive and typically takes the preposition 'at'.
Pitfall
He snapped to me
He snapped at me
When expressing sudden anger or sharp speech, the verb requires the preposition 'at' rather than 'to'.
Real-World Examples
“This is not about flying by an object and snapping pictures as you go, or getting to within a couple kilometers and taking pictures.” “The Hammers are preparing for the possibility of Brentford snapping up El Hadji Malick Diouf.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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