Narratives Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
📖
narratives
[ˈnærətɪvz ]
Definitions
in storytelling
Narratives are stories or accounts of events, experiences, or the like, whether true or fictitious. They often have a plot, characters, setting, and theme, and are used to convey a message or entertain the audience.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| narratives |
Use in formal or academic contexts to describe a structured telling of events, often with a specific theme or purpose.
|
| stories |
Used in everyday language to refer to any telling of events, whether fictional or real. Can be casual or informal.
|
| tales |
Often has a whimsical or fantastical connotation, commonly used for fictional stories, particularly those for children or involving myths and legends.
|
| accounts |
Often used in contexts where a detailed and factual description of events is needed, such as reports or eyewitness testimonies.
|
Examples of usage
- Her narratives always captivate the readers with their vivid descriptions.
- The film festival showcased a variety of narratives from different cultures and perspectives.
in research
In research, narratives refer to the data collected through storytelling or personal accounts. They provide a qualitative insight into individuals' experiences and perspectives, often used in qualitative research methods.
Synonyms
accounts, stories, testimonies.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| narratives |
Used when describing a structured telling of events, especially in literature, film, or academic discussions.
|
| accounts |
Common in formal or business contexts, typically used to describe detailed reports or descriptions of events or experiences.
|
| stories |
Often used in everyday conversations, suitable for both fictional and real events, usually less formal than 'narratives'.
|
| testimonies |
Used primarily in legal or religious contexts to describe statements made under oath or personal declarations of faith.
|
Examples of usage
- The researcher used narratives to explore the impact of social media on teenagers.
- Her personal narrative shed light on the challenges faced by immigrants in a new country.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Narratives can be found in various forms like novels, short stories, and poetry, each with its unique structure.
- The first-person narrative immerses readers into the story, allowing them to experience events through the character's eyes.
- Epic narratives, like 'The Iliad' and 'The Odyssey', shaped the foundations of storytelling in Western literature.
Psychology
- Psychologists argue that the narratives we create influence our identities and how we perceive the world.
- Life stories, or personal narratives, can aid in therapy by helping individuals make sense of their experiences.
- Cognitive psychology studies how narratives help in memory retention and understanding complex information.
Cultural Significance
- Different cultures have unique narrative traditions; for example, oral storytelling is vital in many Indigenous communities.
- Films and television often utilize narrative techniques to engage audiences, blending visual art with storytelling.
- Historical narratives shape collective memories, influencing how societies understand their past.
Digital Age
- In the digital era, narratives thrive on social media, where personal stories are shared widely for engagement.
- Podcasts have become a popular platform for narrative storytelling, allowing diverse voices and experiences to emerge.
- Data narratives use statistics and information to tell compelling stories about trends and societal issues.
Origin of 'narratives'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'narrativus', meaning 'to tell', highlighting its storytelling roots.
- In the late 16th century, it began to be associated with both fiction and nonfiction storytelling in English.
- Its modern usage expands beyond literature to include personal accounts in media and everyday conversations.
The word 'narratives' originated from the Latin word 'narrativus', meaning 'telling a story'. The concept of narratives has been a fundamental part of human communication since ancient times, with storytelling being a way to pass down traditions, beliefs, and knowledge. In modern times, narratives are used in various fields such as literature, psychology, and research to convey messages, emotions, and experiences.