ə ˈpɪktʃər ɪz wɜrθ ə ˈθaʊzənd wɜrdz
- Literally:
- One image conveys more meaning than a thousand written words
What does "a picture is worth a thousand words" mean?
- A visual representation is more effective than a verbal description
- Images can communicate complex ideas more efficiently than text
Examples
- Instead of describing the accident, I'll show you the photo—a picture is worth a thousand words.
- The infographic explained the data perfectly. A picture is worth a thousand words.
- She showed us her vacation photos; truly, a picture is worth a thousand words.
Origin
The modern phrase is often attributed to advertising executive Fred R. Barnard in the 1920s, who used it to promote the use of images in advertising. However, similar concepts exist in Chinese and other languages dating back centuries.
How to use it
Often used when presenting visual evidence or explaining the power of imagery. Common in presentations, journalism, and marketing contexts.
Similar expressions
Related idioms
- actions speak louder than words
What people do is more important than what they say
- better safe than sorry
It's better to be careful and prevent problems than to take risks
- so far so good
Things have gone well up to now
- easier said than done
Something is more difficult to do than to talk about
- make a long story short
To summarize or get to the point
- to make matters worse
In addition to existing problems
Use it in a practice answer
Try "a picture is worth a thousand words" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.