Episode Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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episode
[ˈɛpɪˌsoʊd ]
Definitions
of a series
An episode is a part of a series of events or a show which is complete in itself but is connected to the main story. It is often used in the context of TV shows, podcasts, or book series.
Synonyms
chapter, installment, segment.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| episode |
Used to refer to a single part of a series, typically in the context of television shows, radio programs, or podcasts. It can also refer to an event or a series of related events in real life.
|
| installment |
Often refers to a single part of a longer work that is released in a series, such as books, movies, or articles. It can also refer to payments made over time for a purchase or service.
|
| segment |
Used to describe a part of something larger, often in the context of TV and radio shows, business sectors, or time segments. It is generally more neutral and technical in nature.
|
| chapter |
Most commonly used to refer to sections of a book. It can also metaphorically describe phases or periods in someone's life or a broader historical context.
|
Examples of usage
- The latest episode of the TV series left us on a cliffhanger.
- She missed the last episode of the podcast and had to catch up.
- I can't wait for the next episode of the book series to come out.
medical
In a medical context, an episode refers to a brief period of symptoms of an illness or a condition. It is often used to describe a flare-up or an occurrence of a particular health issue.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| episode |
Use this to describe a specific, often self-contained, event or period within a bigger sequence. Common in medical, media, or life event contexts.
|
| attack |
Appropriate when referring to sudden, aggressive occurrences, often medical or relating to acts of violence. It frequently has a negative connotation.
|
| bout |
Used mostly to describe short periods of intense activity, including illness, emotions, or other experiences. It doesn't carry a strong negative connotation.
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| fit |
This can describe sudden, uncontrolled occurrences, often emotional or physical reactions. It's frequently used to describe medical events like seizures, but can also relate to sudden emotions.
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Examples of usage
- She experienced an episode of dizziness after standing up quickly.
- The patient's episodes of asthma have become more frequent recently.
archaic
To episode is to divide something into episodes or to structure it as a series of events. This usage is less common and more archaic compared to the noun form.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| episode |
Used to refer to a distinct part of a sequence, usually in relation to television series, podcasts, or any narrative that is broken down into parts.
|
| divide |
Used when separating something into parts or sections, often applied to physical objects, groups, or abstract concepts.
|
| structure |
Refers to the arrangement or organization of parts within a whole, used in contexts like architecture, writing, biology, and organization.
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| segment |
Refers to a part of something larger, often used in contexts like marketing, media, and anatomy. It implies a clearly defined portion or section.
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Examples of usage
- The epic poem was episoded into twelve separate sections.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Television
- Popular TV series often consist of multiple episodes that contribute to overarching plotlines, enhancing viewer engagement.
- Miniseries contain a limited number of episodes, delivering a complete story in a short time.
- Some streaming platforms have changed how we consume episodes, allowing binge-watching of entire seasons at once.
Literature
- In serialized literature, episodes are used to build anticipation and maintain reader interest, as seen in novels published in magazines.
- Famous authors, like Charles Dickens, released chapters of their books in installments, which are akin to episodes.
- Short stories can also be treated as standalone episodes within larger works, giving readers quick adventures.
Psychology
- Psychologically, episodes can create memorable narratives in our minds, helping us make sense of personal experiences.
- The episodic memory system allows us to recall events in temporal context, resembling watching episodes of a show in our memory.
- Breaking down experiences into episodes can aid in processing emotions and learning from various life situations.
Cultural Impact
- Episodes in popular culture can reflect societal issues, prompting discussions and reflections among viewers.
- Fan-led discussions and theories often flourish around episodes, creating communities centered on shared interests.
- Big events in episodes, such as season finales or character deaths, can lead to momentous shifts in fan engagement and engagement across social media.
Origin of 'episode'
Main points about word origin
- The word originates from the Greek word 'epeisodion,' which means something that is added to a performance.
- In ancient Greek theater, these were the parts of a play where characters would interact, adding depth to the main events.
- In modern usage, it highlights the division of stories into manageable sections, especially in television and film.
The word 'episode' originated from the Greek word 'episodion', which means 'an incident or event'. It was first used in English in the 17th century to describe a separate incident within a larger narrative. Over time, the term expanded to include not only literary works but also other forms of storytelling, such as TV shows and podcasts. The concept of episodes has become integral to modern entertainment, allowing for serialized storytelling and character development.
See also: episodic, episodical.
Word Frequency Rank
At #6,022 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.
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- 6019 civic
- 6020 speculation
- 6021 campaigns
- 6022 episode
- 6023 voluntarily
- 6024 soda
- 6025 luxury
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