Novelized: meaning, definitions and examples

📚
Add to dictionary

novelized

 

[ ˈnɒvəlʌɪzd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

story adaptation

To novelize means to adapt a story, which can be in the form of a film, play, or other media, into a novel format. This process involves expanding upon the existing narrative, adding details, and often shifting perspectives to suit the prose style of a novel. Novelization allows for deeper exploration of characters, settings, and plots that may have been constrained by the original medium. It’s a common practice for best-selling movies or television shows to be transformed into literary form, appealing to readers who enjoy the narrative but desire a more immersive experience.

Synonyms

adapt, rework, transform

Examples of usage

  • The movie was novelized into a bestselling book.
  • He often novelizes scripts to enhance character development.
  • The studio hired a writer to novelize the blockbuster film.
  • The director's vision was fully realized in the novelized version.

Etymology

The term 'novelize' combines 'novel' and the suffix '-ize', which transforms noun forms into verbs. The word 'novel' originates from the Italian 'novella', meaning 'new', which referred to a short, new story. This structure emphasizes the storytelling aspect inherent in novels. The verb form began to gain traction in the 20th century as adaptations of popular media became commonplace. As literature evolved, the practice of novelization emerged as a response to the growing influence of cinema and television, providing fans with expanded narratives. Today, novelization has become a significant aspect of franchise marketing, where beloved characters and stories can continue to thrive within the literary space.