Narrator Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐๏ธ
narrator
[หnรฆrษหteษชtษr ]
Definitions
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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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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.
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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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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.
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.
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| commentator |
A 'commentator' offers opinions or analysis, often in real-time, during live events such as sports, news, or political debates.
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| announcer |
An 'announcer' is commonly used in broadcasting, such as radio or television, where the person introduces programs, presents information, or provides updates.
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| 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.
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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.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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 whatโs 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 narratorโs 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 charactersโ motivations.
- A narrator's tone can significantly affect how we perceive the events in the story, highlighting themes of trust and perspective.
Origin of 'narrator'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'narrator' originated from the Latin word 'narrator', which means 'one who tells a story'. The concept of a narrator has been integral to storytelling since ancient times, where oral traditions relied on skilled storytellers to share tales with audiences. Over the centuries, the role of the narrator has evolved to encompass various forms of media, from literature to film and television. Today, narrators play a crucial role in shaping the way stories are presented and interpreted by audiences.