Inquadrata

Inquadrata is the feminine singular past participle of the Italian verb inquadrare, meaning to frame, to place within a frame, or to position within a context. As an adjective, it describes something that has been framed or placed within a frame or context.

In cinema and photography, inquadrata refers to the composition or framing of a shot—how subjects and elements are arranged within the visual field, the camera angle, and the level of detail included. The term appears in technical discussions of shot planning, storyboarding, and camera direction, often in phrases like una inquadrata ben bilanciata (a well-balanced framing).

Beyond image making, inquadrare also means to place within a category, context, or framework. In this sense, inquadratura can denote the act of defining the limits or setting a matter within a particular context or system, such as legal, administrative, or organizational classifications (inquadramento).

Etymology: the word derives from in- (into, within) and quadrare (to square, to arrange), related to the noun quadro (frame, picture) and to quadratura. Usage remains common in Italian, chiefly in film, photography, and administrative language, while as a standalone noun it is rare; more typical forms are inquadratura, inquadramento, and inquadrare.

See also: inquadratura, inquadrare, inquadramento, quadro.