A1 noun Neutral

flash

/flæʃ/

A sudden, brief burst of bright light used to take photos or to show something clearly. In art, it can also refer to pre-drawn designs used by tattoo artists.

Examples

3 of 5
1

Don't forget to use the flash because it is dark in here.

Please remember to use the camera light because the room is dark.

2

The museum policy strictly prohibits the use of flash photography.

The museum rules say you cannot use camera lights for photos.

3

Wow, that flash was so bright it blinded me!

That quick light was very strong and I couldn't see!

Word Family

Noun
flash
Verb
flash
Adverb
flashily
Adjective
flashy
Related
flashing
💡

Memory Tip

Think of the 'F' in 'Flash' for 'Fast' light.

Quick Quiz

The photo was too dark because I did not use the _______.

Correct!

The correct answer is: flash

Examples

1

Don't forget to use the flash because it is dark in here.

everyday

Please remember to use the camera light because the room is dark.

2

The museum policy strictly prohibits the use of flash photography.

formal

The museum rules say you cannot use camera lights for photos.

3

Wow, that flash was so bright it blinded me!

informal

That quick light was very strong and I couldn't see!

4

The artist studied the effect of a sudden flash on the subject's features.

academic

The creator looked at how a quick light changed the person's face.

5

We need to purchase a professional flash unit for the product shoot.

business

We must buy a high-quality camera light for the business photos.

Word Family

Noun
flash
Verb
flash
Adverb
flashily
Adjective
flashy
Related
flashing

Common Collocations

camera flash the light on a camera
bright flash a very strong light
flash of light a quick moment of light
electronic flash a light that uses electricity
tattoo flash a sheet of pre-made art designs

Common Phrases

in a flash

happening very quickly

flash of inspiration

a sudden great idea

flash in the pan

something that is successful only for a short time

Often Confused With

flash vs flesh

Flesh refers to the skin or meat of a body, while flash is a burst of light.

flash vs flush

Flush means to turn red in the face or to wash away with water.

📝

Usage Notes

Use this word when talking about a camera's light or a sudden, fast moment of light. In an art context, artists might use it to describe a quick burst of color.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often say 'do a flash' instead of 'use a flash' for a photo. Also, be careful not to confuse the spelling with 'flesh'.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the 'F' in 'Flash' for 'Fast' light.

📖

Word Origin

From Middle English, possibly imitating the sound or movement of water or sudden light.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun (plural: flashes) Can be used as a verb (to flash) Often used with the verb 'to use'
🌍

Cultural Context

In art galleries, flash is often banned because the bright light can damage old and sensitive paintings over time.

Quick Quiz

The photo was too dark because I did not use the _______.

Correct!

The correct answer is: flash

More art words

lens

A1

A lens is a curved piece of glass or plastic used in cameras, glasses, and telescopes. In art and photography, it helps to focus light so that an image appears sharp and clear.

exposure

A1

Exposure is when something is shown to the public or allowed to be seen. In art and photography, it also refers to the amount of light that reaches a camera sensor or film.

zoom

A1

A camera feature or lens that makes a subject appear much closer or larger. In digital art, it refers to the tool used to change the size of the image on the screen to see small details.

pixel

A1

A pixel is the smallest unit of a digital image or graphic that can be displayed on a screen. Many pixels combined together create the full pictures you see on computers, phones, and televisions.

drawing

A1

A picture or image created by using a pen, pencil, or crayon rather than paint. It is a fundamental form of visual art that focuses on lines and shading.

impressionism

A1

Impressionism is a style of painting that began in France in the late 1800s. It uses small, thin brushstrokes and bright colors to show how light changes on objects and nature.

masterpiece

A1

A masterpiece is an extremely good piece of work, such as a painting, book, or movie. It is usually the best work that an artist or creator has ever made.

oil paint

A1

Oil paint is a type of slow-drying paint made by mixing colored pigments with oil, such as linseed oil. It is a popular medium used by artists to create detailed and vibrant artworks on canvas.

charcoal

A1

Charcoal is a black material made by burning wood with very little air. In art, it is used as a stick or pencil for drawing dark lines and shadows on paper.

resolution

A1

Resolution describes how clear and detailed an image or a screen looks. In art and photography, high resolution means the picture is very sharp, while low resolution means it looks blurry or pixelated.

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