Novel: meaning, definitions and examples

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novel

[ˈnɒv.əl ]

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?

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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?

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 Shelley’s Frankenstein' and 'J.R.R. Tolkien’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:

🇵🇹 romance

🇮🇳 उपन्यास

🇩🇪 Roman

🇮🇩 novel

🇺🇦 роман

🇵🇱 powieść

🇯🇵 小説 (shōsetsu)

🇫🇷 roman

🇪🇸 novela

🇹🇷 roman

🇰🇷 소설 (soseol)

🇸🇦 رواية (riwaya)

🇨🇿 román

🇸🇰 román

🇨🇳 小说 (xiǎoshuō)

🇸🇮 roman

🇮🇸 skáldsaga

🇰🇿 роман

🇬🇪 რომანი (romani)

🇦🇿 roman

🇲🇽 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.

...
2114 wire
2115 examine
2116 eat
2117 novel
2118 lose
2119 parameters
2120 constitute
...