Pan

Definition

The term "pan" can refer to a shallow, typically metal container used for cooking, or the act of moving a camera horizontally in filmmaking. It may also denote a severe criticism or the broad, inclusive prefix meaning "all" in some contexts.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /pæn/
• Respelling: PAN

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /pæn/
• Respelling: PAN

Etymology

The word "pan" comes from the Old English "panne," which was borrowed from Latin "panna," meaning "a dish or container." The verb form, referring to panning a camera, derives from "panorama," coined in the late 18th century to describe a wide view.

Derivatives

• Panful (noun)
• Panning (verb)
• Panlike (adjective)
• Panhandler (noun)
• Pan out (phrasal verb)

Synonyms

• Skillet
• Saucepan
• Criticize (verb usage)

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The word "pan" is used in both literal and figurative contexts. For example: "The chef used a frying pan," or "The film was panned by critics."

Related Terms

• Pot: A deep cooking vessel.
• Panorama: A wide, comprehensive view.
• Critique: A detailed analysis or assessment.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A shallow container for cooking: Refers to a flat-bottomed utensil used to prepare food.
  • Example: "She heated the oil in the pan."
• A horizontal camera movement: Used in filmmaking to describe sweeping the camera across a scene.
  • Example: "The director asked the cameraman to pan the landscape."
• Severe criticism: Refers to harsh or negative reviews or judgments.
  • Example: "The play received a pan from reviewers."

Verb

• To move a camera horizontally: Indicates a sweeping motion of the camera to capture a wide view.
  • Example: "The camera panned across the stage."
• To criticize harshly: Refers to delivering a strong negative judgment or critique.
  • Example: "Critics panned the film for its poor storyline."