B2 adverb Neutral

aperture

/ˈæp.ə.tʃər/

An opening, hole, or gap, particularly one that allows light to pass through. In technical contexts like photography, it specifically refers to the adjustable opening in a lens that regulates the amount of light reaching the sensor.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The sunlight streamed through a small aperture in the cave wall.

Light came through a little hole in the side of the cave.

2

The experiment required a precise circular aperture to focus the laser beam.

The scientific test needed an exact round opening to aim the laser.

3

Please ensure the aperture of the ventilation shaft is not obstructed.

Make sure the opening for the air vent is not blocked.

Word Family

Noun
aperture
Adjective
apertural
Related
opening
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Memory Tip

Think of 'A Part Here'—there is 'a part' of the surface missing, creating a hole.

Quick Quiz

To capture more light in a dark room, the photographer chose a ____ aperture.

Correct!

The correct answer is: wide

Examples

1

The sunlight streamed through a small aperture in the cave wall.

everyday

Light came through a little hole in the side of the cave.

2

The experiment required a precise circular aperture to focus the laser beam.

academic

The scientific test needed an exact round opening to aim the laser.

3

Please ensure the aperture of the ventilation shaft is not obstructed.

formal

Make sure the opening for the air vent is not blocked.

4

I used a wide aperture for the portrait to get that blurry background effect.

informal

I opened the camera lens wide to make the background look soft.

5

Our new optical sensors feature an expanded aperture for better low-light performance.

business

Our latest sensors have a larger opening to work better in the dark.

Word Family

Noun
aperture
Adjective
apertural
Related
opening

Common Collocations

wide aperture a large opening in a lens
narrow aperture a small opening in a lens
aperture setting the specific adjustment of a camera lens
adjust the aperture to change the size of the opening
circular aperture a round-shaped hole or opening

Common Phrases

maximum aperture

the largest possible opening a lens can achieve

aperture priority

a camera mode where the user sets the aperture and the camera does the rest

numerical aperture

a measure of the range of angles over which a system can accept light

Often Confused With

aperture vs orifice

Orifice usually refers to an opening in the body (mouth, nose), while aperture is used for mechanical or physical gaps.

aperture vs shutter

The shutter is the 'door' that opens and closes for a duration of time, whereas the aperture is the 'size' of the hole.

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Usage Notes

Aperture is most commonly used in photography and optics. While it can mean any hole, using it for a simple hole in a shirt might sound overly technical or strange.

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Common Mistakes

Learners often think a 'higher' f-number (like f/22) means a larger aperture, but it actually means a smaller opening.

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Memory Tip

Think of 'A Part Here'—there is 'a part' of the surface missing, creating a hole.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'apertura', which comes from 'aperire', meaning 'to open'.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun Commonly used with the definite article 'the' in technical contexts Plural form: apertures
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Cultural Context

Crucial term in photography culture, often discussed by hobbyists regarding 'bokeh' (the aesthetic quality of the blur).

Quick Quiz

To capture more light in a dark room, the photographer chose a ____ aperture.

Correct!

The correct answer is: wide

Related Words

bluster

C1

Bluster refers to loud, aggressive, or indignant talk that carries little sting or power and is often intended to intimidate. It suggests a noisy way of speaking that lacks substance or the actual ability to carry out threats.

bogus

C1

Describes something that is not genuine, counterfeit, or intentionally fraudulent. It is often used in academic and legal contexts to refer to claims, documents, or entities that have been fabricated to deceive others.

boisterous

C1

Describes someone or something that is noisy, energetic, and cheerful, often in a way that is slightly out of control. It is frequently used for groups of people, activities, or natural forces like wind and waves.

bombard

C1

To attack or subject someone or something to a continuous flow of objects, questions, or information. In academic and scientific contexts, it specifically refers to directing a stream of particles or radiation at a substance to induce a reaction.

bombastic

C1

Describing speech, writing, or behavior that is high-sounding and inflated but with little actual meaning or substance. It is typically used to criticize someone for being pretentious and trying to sound more important or knowledgeable than they truly are.

bondage

C1

Bondage refers to the state of being under the control of another person or system, characterized by a lack of freedom or involuntary servitude. In an academic context, it encompasses legal, social, and economic structures, such as slavery or debt peonage, that restrict an individual's autonomy.

boon

C1

A boon is a timely benefit or blessing that is extremely helpful in a particular situation. It refers to something that makes life easier or provides a significant advantage when most needed.

boorish

C1

Describes behavior that is rough, unrefined, and ill-mannered, typically lacking sensitivity or social grace. It suggests a lack of education or cultural sophistication in social interactions.

bootstrap

C1

To start or develop a process or business using minimal external resources, often relying on existing internal assets or self-funding. In computing and statistics, it refers to a self-starting process that executes without external input or a technique for estimation through resampling.

bounty

C1

A bounty is a generous gift or a reward offered for a specific task, such as the capture of a criminal. It also frequently refers to an abundance or plentiful supply of something, particularly food or natural resources.

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