A picture is worth a thousand words.
A picture is worth a thousand words.
Meaning in plain English
The saying values a picture at a thousand words. It emphasises how an image can communicate much at once.
Example
A presenter pairs a diagram with a short explanation of the relationship it illustrates.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The numerical comparison is emphasis rather than a measured exchange. A useful application asks what an image makes clear and what still needs a verbal explanation. Pictures can omit context or invite different readings, so the phrase does not establish that images always communicate better.
When to use it
Use it to discuss what visual communication adds to an explanation.
Keep in mind
The number is figurative and no universal superiority of pictures is verified.
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-05. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Country attributed by the collection
United States · source-attributed; earliest origin unverified
- Source
- Contributor-provided proverb reference
Supplied reference A; unit 391; PDF page 59
Reuse and collection notes ↗ - Attribution confidence
- traditional · supplied collection
Preserved as printed; independently unverified. - Historical coordinate
- Undated
No reliable date supplied by the collection. - Rights & edition
- Contributor-confirmed reuse permission
Translations and rights may differ elsewhere.
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