Novel: meaning, definitions and examples

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novel

 

[หˆnษ’v.ษ™l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

literature

A novel is a long fictional story that typically describes imaginary characters and events, usually in the form of a sequential story.

Synonyms

book, fiction, story.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
novel

Used to refer to a long, fictional narrative that describes imaginary events and people. Often denotes a more complex and developed plot and character development.

  • She is reading a fascinating novel by Jane Austen.
  • His new novel has been on the bestseller list for weeks.
book

A broad term that can refer to any written or printed work consisting of pages. This could be fiction, non-fiction, textbooks, manuals, or any other collection of written materials bound together.

  • He borrowed a book on history from the library.
  • She wrote a book on the principles of physics.
story

A general term for a narrative, which can be either fictional or non-fictional. It can be short or long, simple or complex, and can come in many forms such as novels, short tales, or even oral narratives.

  • She told a captivating story about her travels.
  • The children gathered around to hear a bedtime story.
fiction

Refers to literature created from the imagination, not presented as fact. This category includes novels, short stories, and any other narrative work that is not based on real events.

  • Her favorite genre is science fiction.
  • He enjoys both fiction and non-fiction literature.

Examples of usage

  • She just finished reading a captivating novel.
  • The novel explores themes of love and betrayal.
Context #2 | Noun

innovative

Novel can also mean new, original, or unusual in an interesting way.

Synonyms

innovative, original, unique.

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Word Description / Examples
novel

When you want to describe something new and not seen before, often used in the context of ideas, methods, or things.

  • She came up with a novel solution to the problem.
  • The scientist published a novel theory in his latest paper.
unique

When you want to highlight something that is one of a kind or very special, often in reference to objects, experiences, or characteristics.

  • Each person's handwriting is unique.
  • The festival offers a unique cultural experience.
innovative

When you want to emphasize creativity and advancements, frequently used in contexts involving technology, business, or creative processes.

  • The company introduced an innovative product that changed the market.
  • Her innovative approach to teaching has won her several awards.
original

When you want to stress authenticity and the absence of copying, often applied to art, ideas, and creations.

  • He had many original ideas for his new book.
  • The painting on the wall is an original by a famous artist.

Examples of usage

  • The company introduced a novel approach to marketing.
  • Her ideas were quite novel and refreshing.
Context #3 | Adjective

law

Novel can be used in a legal context to describe a new or unique legal argument or issue that has not been previously addressed.

Synonyms

new, original, unique.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
novel

Used to describe something new and different from anything known before, often in the context of literature, ideas, or innovations.

  • She proposed a novel idea that could revolutionize the industry
  • The scientist's novel approach to the problem was highly praised
new

Refers to something that has recently come into existence, been created, or been introduced, without specific emphasis on uniqueness or originality.

  • They just moved into a new house
  • I'm excited to start my new job next week
unique

Describes something that is one of a kind, without any equivalents. It emphasizes the exclusivity and distinctiveness of the subject.

  • He has a unique way of solving problems
  • The city is known for its unique blend of cultures
original

Implies something that is the first of its kind or highly creative, often used when referring to art, inventions, or ideas.

  • Her artwork is very original and stands out at the gallery
  • The movie was praised for its original storyline

Examples of usage

  • The defense presented a novel argument in court.
  • The case raised several novel questions.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word originated from the Latin 'novellus', meaning 'new' or 'young', reflecting the fresh ideas in storytelling.
  • In the 16th century, it was used in Italian as 'novella', which referred to short stories or tales.
  • By the 18th century, the term came to describe longer works of fiction written in prose.

Historical Development

  • The first modern novel is often considered to be 'Don Quixote', published in Spain in 1605.
  • The novel gained popularity in the 18th century, especially in Europe, with works from authors like Daniel Defoe and Jane Austen.
  • In the 19th century, the novel evolved further with the introduction of literary realism, highlighting the everyday lives of ordinary people.

Cultural Impact

  • Novels have influenced many aspects of culture, from film adaptations to theater and even fashion trends.
  • Literary movements like Romanticism and Modernism have shaped how stories are told in novels to reflect societal changes.
  • Famous authors such as Charles Dickens and Leo Tolstoy were advocates for social change through their storytelling.

Science Fiction and Fantasy

  • The genres of science fiction and fantasy have expanded the scope of what novels can explore, inviting readers into imaginative worlds.
  • Classic works like 'Mary Shelleyโ€™s Frankenstein' and 'J.R.R. Tolkienโ€™s The Lord of the Rings' have defined their genres and inspired countless writers.
  • The rise of speculative fiction challenges readers to think about potential futures and alternative realities.

Literary Techniques

  • Novels often employ various literary techniques, such as stream of consciousness, unreliable narration, and nonlinear timelines to create depth.
  • Through character development, intricate plots, and thematic exploration, novels can evoke a wide range of emotions.
  • Symbolism and metaphor in novels can add layers of meaning, allowing readers to derive personal interpretations.

Translations

Translations of the word "novel" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น romance

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค‰เคชเคจเฅเคฏเคพเคธ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Roman

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ novel

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั€ะพะผะฐะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ powieล›ฤ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅฐ่ชฌ (shลsetsu)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท roman

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ novela

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท roman

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์†Œ์„ค (soseol)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฑูˆุงูŠุฉ (riwaya)

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ romรกn

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ romรกn

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅฐ่ฏด (xiวŽoshuล)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ roman

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ skรกldsaga

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั€ะพะผะฐะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ แƒแƒ›แƒแƒœแƒ˜ (romani)

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ roman

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ novela

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,117, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.