Narrator: meaning, definitions and examples

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narrator

[ˈnærəˌteɪtər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in storytelling

A person who tells a story, especially in a film, television show, or audiobook. The narrator is often the voice that guides the audience through the plot and provides insights into the characters and events.

Synonyms

speaker, storyteller, voiceover.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
narrator	Use this term when referring to someone who tells the story within books, movies, or other written narratives. The narrator provides the audience with a description of the events happening in the story. The narrator in the novel had a soothing voice. As the narrator explained the backstory, the audience was captivated.
storyteller	Appropriate when talking about someone who engages people by telling stories, often in a captivating and entertaining manner. Storytellers are often seen in informal settings or performing arts. The storyteller at the campfire had everyone on the edge of their seats. Grandpa was the best storyteller; his tales were always so vivid.
speaker	Best suited for someone who is delivering a speech or lecture in front of an audience. It can also refer to the person speaking in a poem or a piece of writing. The speaker at the conference was very inspiring. In the poem, the speaker reflects on his childhood memories.
voiceover	Used for someone who provides a voice in films, television, advertisements, or other media, where the voice is heard but the speaker is not seen. The voiceover in the documentary was clear and informative. She got a job doing voiceovers for animated movies.

Examples of usage

The narrator in the documentary provided background information on the subject.
The novel was written in the first person, with the main character serving as the narrator.
The omniscient narrator in the movie knew the thoughts and feelings of all the characters.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in literature

The voice that recounts the events of a story, providing the perspective through which the audience experiences the narrative. Narrators can be unreliable, biased, or objective, influencing the way the story is interpreted.

Synonyms

chronicler, raconteur, storyteller.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
narrator	Used when referring to the person who tells the story in a book, film, play, or other narrative work. It focuses on the technique of storytelling. The narrator of the novel has a first-person perspective. The film's narrator provided background information about each character.
storyteller	Universal term for anyone who tells stories, whether orally, in writing, or through other media. It is broader and can refer to professional or casual contexts. Grandma was an amazing storyteller, enchanting us with fairy tales. The author is a masterful storyteller, weaving intricate plots and characters.
chronicler	Suitable for describing someone who records events as they happen, often in a detailed and factual manner. This word is commonly used in historical or academic contexts. The chronicler documented the events of the medieval period meticulously. As a chronicler, she provided an accurate account of the city's history.
raconteur	Best used to describe a person who is good at telling anecdotes in an engaging and entertaining way. This term often implies a charming or witty storytelling style. He was a gifted raconteur, captivating audiences with his tales. At the dinner party, the raconteur kept everyone laughing with his humorous stories.

Examples of usage

The unreliable narrator in the novel made it difficult to discern the truth.
The third-person omniscient narrator revealed secrets that the characters did not know.
The first-person narrator added a personal touch to the memoir.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

in audiovisual media

The person who speaks over a video or film, providing information, commentary, or explanation to the audience. Narrators can be used to enhance the viewer's understanding or to create a specific atmosphere.

Synonyms

announcer, commentator, presenter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
narrator	A 'narrator' is typically used in the context of storytelling, literature, or documentaries. This person delivers the story or provides a descriptive account of events. The narrator of the novel speaks in a first-person perspective. The documentary featured a soft-spoken narrator who guided the audience through the historical events.
commentator	A 'commentator' offers opinions or analysis, often in real-time, during live events such as sports, news, or political debates. The football commentator analyzed the team's strategy in detail. The news commentator discussed the implications of the recent election results.
announcer	An 'announcer' is commonly used in broadcasting, such as radio or television, where the person introduces programs, presents information, or provides updates. The sports announcer excitedly described each play during the game. The radio announcer informed listeners about the upcoming weather forecast.
presenter	A 'presenter' is used in the context of providing information, hosting shows, or making speeches. They often serve as the face of a television program or a public event. The presenter welcomed the audience to the live show. She worked as a news presenter for the evening broadcast.

Examples of usage

The narrator in the nature documentary described the behavior of the animals.
The voiceover narrator in the advertisement highlighted the product's features.
The film used a voiceover narrator to set the tone for the story.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term 'narrator' comes from the Latin word 'narrator', which means 'one who tells'.
The root word 'narrate' comes from 'narrare', emphasizing the act of telling a story.

Literature

Different types of narrators exist, such as first-person narrators who share their own experiences or third-person narrators who observe everything.
Some stories use unreliable narrators, making the audience question the truth of what they're being told.

Film and Media

In movies, a narrator can help explain what’s happening or provide background information, like a guide showing the audience around.
Well-known narrators like Morgan Freeman and David Attenborough have made a significant impact by lending their voices to documentaries.

Gaming

Video games often feature narrators who help immerse players in the story, enhancing the gaming experience.
Some games allow for player-controlled narratives, where the narrator’s voice changes based on choices made in the game.

Psychology

Identifying with a narrator can create emotional connections with the story, influencing how we understand characters’ motivations.
A narrator's tone can significantly affect how we perceive the events in the story, highlighting themes of trust and perspective.

Translations

Translations of the word "narrator" in other languages:

🇵🇹 narrador

🇮🇳 वाचक

🇩🇪 Erzähler

🇮🇩 narator

🇺🇦 оповідач

🇵🇱 narrator

🇯🇵 ナレーター

🇫🇷 narrateur

🇪🇸 narrador

🇹🇷 anlatıcı

🇰🇷 내레이터

🇸🇦 راوي

🇨🇿 vypravěč

🇸🇰 rozprávač

🇨🇳 叙述者

🇸🇮 pripovedovalec

🇮🇸 sögumaður

🇰🇿 әңгімеші

🇬🇪 მთხრობელი

🇦🇿 nəql edən

🇲🇽 narrador

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,136 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

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8133 caps
8134 pest
8135 forgiveness
8136 narrator
8137 safer
8138 confront
8139 governors
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