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Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ˈkloʊsʌp/

KK: /ˈkloʊsˌʌp/

noun
Definition

A type of shot in photography or film where the camera is very close to the subject, often showing details like a person's face.


Example

The director asked for a closeup of the actor's expression during the emotional scene.


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you see the closeup shots in that movie we watched last night?
Sloth B
Yeah, they really captured the actors' emotions perfectly.
Sloth A
I think those closeup scenes made the film so much more engaging.
Sloth B
Absolutely! It felt like we were right there with them.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
zoom
detail
portrait
Antonyms
distant
wide
far
Root Explanation

Closeup → It is formed from "close" (from Old English "clōsan", meaning to shut or bring together) and "up" (meaning to a higher position or level). The word "closeup" refers to a shot or view taken at a very short distance, bringing the subject closer to the viewer.

Memory Tip

Think of bringing something 'together' ('close') and moving it 'up' to see it better — that's why a closeup shows details up close.

Visually Confused Words

No commonly confused words.

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