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Narrative Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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narrative

[หˆnarษ™tษชv ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

storytelling

A narrative is a story or account of events, experiences, or the like, whether true or fictitious. It is a way of presenting a series of events or experiences in an organized and coherent manner.

Synonyms

account, story, tale.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
narrative

Used when referring to the structured presentation of a story or a sequence of events, often with a particular viewpoint or theme. It is common in academic, literary, or formal contexts.

  • The narrative of the novel intricately weaves the past and present together
  • The documentary provides a compelling narrative of the historical events
story

A general term for any count of events, whether fictional or true, formal or informal. It is highly versatile and can be used in everyday conversations.

  • She told a funny story about her trip to Italy
  • Children love listening to bedtime stories
tale

Often used for imaginative, fictional, or whimsical recountings of events, frequently found in folklore or moral lessons. It often carries a sense of enchantment or exaggeration.

  • The old man shared a captivating tale of dragons and knights
  • This tale of adventure is perfect for a summer read
account

Appropriate for describing a factual retelling or report of events, often used in contexts like news, history, or personal experiences. It emphasizes accuracy and detail.

  • His account of the incident was straightforward and detailed
  • The historian provided an account of the war based on numerous primary sources

Examples of usage

  • The novel is a complex narrative that spans several generations.
  • Her narrative of the expedition was both thrilling and informative.
Context #2 | Adjective

describing a story

Relating to the telling of a story or the way in which a story is told.

Synonyms

chronicling, descriptive, storytelling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
narrative

Typically used for describing the overall structure or story of a literary work, a detailed account of connected events in written or spoken form.

  • The novel's narrative moved seamlessly between the past and the present
  • The politician's speech had a compelling narrative that captivated the audience
storytelling

Refers to the act of telling a story orally or through creative writing, often emphasizing engagement and creativity.

  • Grandpa was always the best at storytelling during family gatherings
  • The author's talent for storytelling kept readers hooked from start to finish
descriptive

Focused on providing a detailed description of scenes, people, and objects, often used to create vivid imagery.

  • Her descriptive essay painted a beautiful picture of the countryside
  • The reporter's descriptive language made the story come alive for the readers
chronicling

Used for documenting events in chronological order, like recording historical events or personal experiences over time.

  • The historian spent years chronicling the events of World War II
  • His blog is dedicated to chronicling his travels around the world

Examples of usage

  • The narrative structure of the film was innovative and engaging.
  • His narrative style is known for its vivid descriptions and compelling characters.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Narratives can be both fiction and non-fiction, allowing writers to craft tales from imagination or real-life events.
  • There are various types of narratives, such as first-person, where the storyteller is a character in the story, and third-person, where an outside voice tells the tale.
  • Some famous narratives include classic novels like 'Moby-Dick' and modern series like 'Harry Potter', where different kinds of characters and plots unfold.

Psychology

  • People often use personal narratives to make sense of their own experiences, helping to shape their identities.
  • Storytelling can influence emotions; a well-told narrative can inspire, provoke thought, or create empathy in readers or listeners.
  • The way a narrative is structured can impact how people remember events, showcasing the power of storytelling in memory formation.

Film and Media

  • Narratives in movies often follow a classic structure of setup, conflict, and resolution, engaging audiences from start to finish.
  • Documentaries rely on narratives to explain real-world stories, making complex information accessible and engaging.
  • Video games use narrative to immerse players in richly detailed worlds, providing choices that affect the direction of the story.

Cultural Studies

  • Different cultures have unique narrative styles, reflecting their values, beliefs, and histories.
  • Oral storytelling traditions, prevalent in many Indigenous cultures, share histories and life lessons through narrative.
  • Modern digital platforms like podcasts and social media are reshaping how narratives are created and shared, expanding the way stories reach audiences.

Origin of 'narrative'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'narrativus', meaning 'to tell', linking back to storytelling.
  • In the 14th century, 'narrative' was used to describe stories in both written and spoken forms.
  • Over time, literature adapted the term to differentiate between different types of storytelling techniques.

The word 'narrative' originated from the Latin word 'narrativus', which means 'telling a story'. It has been used in English since the late 16th century. Narratives have been an essential part of human communication and culture, serving as a way to pass down knowledge, entertain, and connect with others.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,889, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.