postcard
B1Informal, but neutral in formal contexts when referring to the object.
Definition
Meaning
A rectangular piece of thick paper or thin cardboard intended for writing a message and sending by post without an envelope, typically featuring a photograph or illustration on one side.
The format or concept of a brief, informal message, often connoting simplicity or nostalgia. Can also refer to a picture or view that is exceptionally picturesque.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word is a compound of 'post' (mail) and 'card'. It emphasizes the medium itself rather than the act of sending.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is identical in form and core meaning. Minor differences exist in related phrases (e.g., 'postcard perfect' is more common in UK English; 'picture-perfect' is a common US equivalent).
Connotations
Strongly associated with tourism, holidays, and brief, personal communication in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common and high-frequency in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
send [someone] a postcardget/receive a postcard from [someone]write [something] on a postcardVocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “postcard-perfect (chiefly UK)”
- “wish you were here (implied message)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in tourism marketing ('send a postcard home') or printing industries.
Academic
Rare, may appear in historical, philatelic, or media studies contexts.
Everyday
Very common, especially in travel and personal communication contexts.
Technical
Used in philately (stamp collecting) and postal services.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- I'll postcard you from Cornwall.
- She postcarded her news rather than phoning.
American English
- He postcarded us from his road trip.
- They postcarded updates from every state.
adjective
British English
- The village had a postcard charm.
- It was a postcard-perfect summer day.
American English
- The view was absolutely postcard.
- They found a postcard-pretty little town.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I sent my mum a postcard from London.
- The postcard has a photo of a beach.
- Don't forget to write me a postcard when you're on holiday!
- I collect postcards from different cities.
- The market sold beautiful vintage postcards from the 1920s.
- His message was as brief and impersonal as a postcard.
- The film's visual style rendered the city in almost postcard-like tableaux, beautiful yet emotionally distant.
- The policy was criticised as merely offering postcard solutions to deeply structural problems.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
POSTCARD = POST (to mail) + CARD (a stiff piece of paper). Think of mailing a picture card.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMUNICATION IS A PHYSICAL OBJECT (sent/received), NOSTALGIA IS A PICTURE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation of 'почтовая открытка' as '*postal postcard*'—just 'postcard'.
- Do not confuse with 'poster' ('постер').
Common Mistakes
- Using 'post card' as two separate words (should be a single compound noun).
- Confusing 'postcard' with 'poster'.
Practice
Quiz
Which phrase best describes a very brief, picturesque scene?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a single, compound word: 'postcard'. 'Post card' is occasionally seen but is non-standard.
Yes, informally, meaning 'to send someone a postcard'. (e.g., 'I'll postcard you.')
A postcard is sent without an envelope and typically has a pre-printed picture. A greeting card (birthday, Christmas) is usually folded, placed in an envelope, and is more formal.
No, the core meaning and usage are identical. Collocational preferences like 'postcard-perfect' (UK) versus 'picture-perfect' (US) are minor.