Chronicle Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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chronicle

[ˈkrɒnɪkl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

historical record

A chronological record of events; a history, especially a factual one, arranged in order of time, often with an analysis of their causes.

Synonyms

annals, history, record.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
chronicle

Typically used to describe a detailed and factual account of events in the order they happened. It can be used for both historical events and personal experiences.

  • The author's book is a fascinating chronicle of the ancient civilization.
  • She keeps a chronicle of her travels in a blog.
record

Used in various contexts but generally refers to the documentation or archive of information. It can be formal or informal and includes written, audio, or other types of documentation.

  • The hospital maintains a detailed medical record of each patient.
  • Make sure to record all your transactions for tax purposes.
history

Refers to the study of past events, particularly in human affairs. It can be used in a broad sense to discuss the past in general or specific events.

  • She has a degree in history from the university.
  • The history of this building dates back to the 18th century.
annals

Often used in a formal or historical context to denote a recorded history of events year by year. It is usually related to official records or long-term documentation.

  • The annals of the medieval church reveal intriguing historical details.
  • This discovery will go down in the annals of science.

Examples of usage

  • The chronicle of the royal family dates back to the 12th century.
  • The historian spent years compiling the chronicle of the war.
Context #2 | Verb

write about events

To record events in order of time; to narrate or list in historical order.

Synonyms

document, record, report.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
chronicle

This word fits best when describing a detailed and historical account of events, often in the form of a story. It is typically used in a literary or formal context.

  • The historian set out to chronicle the rise and fall of the ancient empire.
  • She decided to chronicle her travels across Asia in a series of detailed blog posts.
record

This word is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts to denote the act of writing down or saving information. It can refer to audio, video, or written formats.

  • The company needs to keep accurate records for auditing purposes.
  • Make sure to record your thoughts in a journal every day.
document

Use this term when referring to the act of officially recording information, often in writing or through photographs. It has a formal and somewhat technical feel.

  • The archaeologist meticulously documented every artifact they discovered at the dig site.
  • It is important to document your sources when writing a research paper.
report

This term is ideal when talking about providing information on an event, situation, or research findings, usually in the form of a structured document. It is often associated with official or business contexts.

  • The news anchor will report live from the scene of the accident.
  • He was asked to report on the progress of his project during the meeting.

Examples of usage

  • She chronicled the rise and fall of the empire in her latest book.
  • The journalist chronicled the daily lives of the villagers in his articles.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Relevance

  • Early chronicles were often written by monks in monasteries, documenting the history of their communities and the world around them.
  • Some of the most famous chronicles, like the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, helped shape the understanding of British history.
  • Chronicles served as primary sources for historians, offering insight into historical events from the perspective of those who lived through them.

Literature

  • Chronicles often take a narrative form, blending historical fact with storytelling techniques to engage readers.
  • Fictional chronicles, like 'The Chronicles of Narnia,' use this format to explore imaginative worlds while conveying moral lessons.
  • The style can vary from simple accounts to complex narratives, allowing writers to express their interpretation of events.

Pop Culture

  • Chronicles have inspired numerous novels and films, where storytelling intertwines historical elements with fictional narratives.
  • In video games, franchises like 'The Elder Scrolls' series use chronicles to deepen backgrounds and enrich player experience.
  • Animated series and graphic novels often adapt historical chronicles to bring events to life, engaging younger audiences with history.

Education

  • Studying chronicles can help students understand the context of historical events and how they relate to current situations.
  • Teaching history through chronicles encourages critical thinking as learners analyze different perspectives on events.
  • Project-based learning often includes creating chronicles to help students connect creatively with historical themes.

Origin of 'chronicle'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'chronicle' comes from the Greek word 'chronos,' meaning 'time.'
  • In Latin, it was adapted as 'chronicus,' which means 'relating to time.' This illustrates how chronicles focus on the timeline of events.
  • The term has been used since the Middle Ages to refer to historical records written in chronological order.

The word 'chronicle' originated from the Greek word 'khronikon', meaning 'annals of time'. It entered the English language in the 14th century, borrowed from Old French 'cronique', which in turn came from Latin 'chronica', plural of 'chronicon', a Latinisation of the Greek 'khronikon'. Chronicles have been an essential part of recording historical events and stories throughout various civilizations.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,199, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.