ENGLISH
REFERENCE

snapping

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈsnæpɪŋ// UK //snˈæpɪŋ// snap·ping

v. breaking something suddenly with a sharp sound, or losing your patience and getting angry. It can also mean taking a quick photo.

v. breaking or cracking with a sudden sharp noise; alternatively, losing emotional control or speaking sharply due to stress. Often used to describe the action of taking a photograph or the sound of fingers clicking.


SIMPLE

He is snapping photos of the sunset.

CONTEXTUAL

After weeks of working overtime without a break, she finally ended up snapping at her manager during the meeting.

COMPLEX

The dry branches were snapping underfoot as we hiked through the woods, the sharp sounds echoing through the otherwise silent valley.

Synonyms
Usage

When meaning 'to speak sharply', it is intransitive and typically takes the preposition 'at'.

Pitfall

He snapped to meHe snapped at meWhen expressing sudden anger or sharp speech, the verb requires the preposition 'at' rather than 'to'.

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