chapter
Meaning: A division of a book, or a period in life
A 'chapter' is a main division of a book, typically with a number or title. Figuratively, it can refer to a distinct period or phase in someone's life or in history. Religious organisations also use 'chapter' for local branches.
Examples
- I've just finished reading chapter five of my book. 我刚读完我书的第五章。Acabo de terminar de leer el capítulo cinco de mi libro.本の第5章を読み終えたところです。책의 제5장을 막 다 읽었습니다.
- Moving abroad started a new chapter in her life. 移居国外开启了她人生的新篇章。Mudarse al extranjero comenzó un nuevo capítulo en su vida.海外への移住は彼女の人生の新しい章の始まりでした。해외 이주는 그녀의 인생에서 새로운 장을 열었습니다.
- This difficult period is just one chapter in our history. 这段困难时期只是我们历史的一个篇章。Este período difícil es solo un capítulo en nuestra historia.この困難な時期は私たちの歴史の一章に過ぎません。이 어려운 시기는 우리 역사의 한 장에 불과합니다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: general
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Old French 'chapitre', from Latin 'capitulum' meaning 'little head', diminutive of 'caput' (head). Each chapter heading was seen as the head of a new section. Related to 'capital' and 'captain'.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
Story & Trivia
From Latin 'capitulum' meaning 'little head,' referring to the headings that divided sections of a text. In medieval manuscripts, chapters were often marked with decorative capital letters.
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