subtitles

UKUS

IELTSB2

Definitions

On-screen text at the bottom of films or TV showing the dialogue or its translation

（影视）字幕

Root Breakdown

Root-derived

sub-under, below

titletitle, inscription, label, heading

-splural

=subtitles

sub- (under) + title = a 'lower title.' In books a subtitle is the explanatory line under the main title; in film and TV the word shifted to the captions printed under the picture — usually a translation of the spoken dialogue.

Root titl still carries 4 more words

Usage Guide

In the film/TV sense it's normally plural (turn on the subtitles). Distinguish subtitles (translate/transcribe dialogue) from captions (often include sound effects, for the hard of hearing) — though everyday English blurs the two.

Example Sentences

1.
I watch foreign films with English subtitles.
2.
Can you turn on the subtitles? I missed that line.
3.
The streaming app offers subtitles in twelve languages.

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