letterboxed
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈlɛtəˌbɒkst/
KK: /ˈlɛtərˌbɑkst/
adjective
Definition
Describing a format that shows the entire rectangular frame of a wide-screen film, often with black bars at the top and bottom of the screen.
Example
The movie was letterboxed to preserve its original wide-screen aspect ratio.
Conversation
Have you seen that new film about space travel?
Yeah, I watched it last night and loved it!
I heard it’s letterboxed, which makes the visuals even better.
Absolutely! The wide format really adds to the experience.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
framed
bordered
masked
Antonyms
full
unframed
exposed
verb
Definition
To place a film or image in a format that has black bars at the top and bottom, often to fit a specific aspect ratio.
Example
The movie was letterboxed to enhance the viewing experience on widescreen televisions.
Tense Forms
Past: letterboxed
Past Participle: letterboxed
Conversation
Did you see that movie we watched last night?
Yeah, it was really good, but I felt like it was letterboxed too much.
I agree! Sometimes the black bars can be distracting.
Root Explanation
Letterboxed → It is formed from "letter" (from Old French *lettre*, meaning a written character or symbol) and "boxed" (from "box" meaning to enclose). The term "letterboxed" refers to a format that encloses the image in a box, often used in film to maintain the aspect ratio, resembling the shape of a letter or box.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'letter' as a written character being 'enclosed' in a 'box' — that's why letterboxed refers to a format that keeps the image within a box shape.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.