Novels: meaning, definitions and examples

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novels

[ˈnɒvəlz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

literature

Fictional prose narratives that are longer and more complex than short stories. Novels typically explore characters, settings, plots, and themes in depth, providing readers with a rich and immersive reading experience.

Synonyms

books, fiction, stories.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
novels	Use 'novels' when referring to long fictional works that usually have complex plots and characters. I just finished reading a fascinating novel by Charles Dickens. Her latest novel explores themes of love and betrayal.
books	Use 'books' as a general term for any written or printed work, whether fiction or non-fiction. She has a large collection of books on her shelf. I'm looking for a book on ancient history.
fiction	Use 'fiction' when referring broadly to literature that describes imaginary events and people. I prefer fiction over non-fiction because it allows me to escape reality. Science fiction is a genre that deals with imaginative and futuristic concepts.
stories	Use 'stories' to refer to shorter narratives, which can be either written or spoken. Stories often focus on a single event or series of events. He told us an interesting story about his travels. This book is a collection of short stories.

Examples of usage

She enjoyed reading classic novels by Jane Austen and Charles Dickens.
The novel depicted the struggles of a young immigrant in a new country.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

general

Something that is new, original, or innovative; a departure from the usual or traditional. Can also refer to a long work of fiction with a complex storyline.

Synonyms

innovative, new, original.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
novels	Used to describe long written stories, usually fictional, that explore characters and plots in depth. She spends her evenings reading romance novels 'War and Peace' is one of the most famous novels ever written
new	Used to describe something that has recently come into existence, fashion, or been created. It is a general term and can refer to anything that is fresh or unfamiliar. She bought a new car last week Moving to a new city can be both exciting and daunting
innovative	Used when describing something that introduces new ideas or methods and shows creativity, often in the context of technology, business, or design. The company is known for its innovative solutions to modern problems His approach to teaching is very innovative and keeps students engaged
original	Used to describe something that is the first of its kind or something that is unique and not a copy or imitation. Often implies creativity and authenticity. The painting is an original work by Van Gogh His original idea was a game-changer for the project

Examples of usage

The company's latest product was a novel approach to solving a common problem.
His idea for the movie was truly novel and captured the attention of many.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'novel' comes from the Italian 'novella,' meaning 'new' or 'little new story.'
In the 17th century, the term began to refer specifically to prose fiction, as opposed to poetry.
The transition of the word into English happened in the early 18th century, becoming popular in literary circles.

Literature

The first recognized novel is 'Don Quixote' by Miguel de Cervantes, published in 1605, which satirizes chivalric traditions.
The genre hit its stride in the 18th century with authors like Daniel Defoe and Jane Austen, who explored complex characters and societal issues.
Modern novels can range from fantasy to realism, showcasing diverse themes such as identity, love, and conflict.

Cultural Impact

Novels have been a form of escapism, offering readers a way to explore different worlds and ideas throughout history.
Popular novels often lead to adaptations in film and theater, expanding their reach and influence after their publication.
Book clubs and literary festivals celebrate novels, fostering community and shared experiences around reading.

Psychology

Reading novels can enhance empathy, as they allow readers to experience life through different characters’ perspectives.
Studies suggest that engaging with fictional narratives can improve cognitive flexibility and critical thinking skills.
Novels often provide a safe space for exploring complex emotions and moral dilemmas, helping readers process real-life situations.

Popular Genres

Best-selling novels often belong to genres like mystery, romance, or science fiction, each attracting diverse audiences.
Young Adult (YA) novels have gained immense popularity, focusing on themes relevant to teenagers navigating life changes.
Literary fiction often examines the human condition, prioritizing character development and thematic depth over plot.

Translations

Translations of the word "novels" in other languages:

🇵🇹 romances

🇮🇳 उपन्यास

🇩🇪 Romane

🇮🇩 novel

🇺🇦 романи

🇵🇱 powieści

🇯🇵 小説

🇫🇷 romans

🇪🇸 novelas

🇹🇷 romanlar

🇰🇷 소설

🇸🇦 روايات

🇨🇿 romány

🇸🇰 romány

🇨🇳 小说

🇸🇮 romani

🇮🇸 skáldsögur

🇰🇿 романдар

🇬🇪 რომანები

🇦🇿 romanlar

🇲🇽 novelas

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,281 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
5278 warfare
5279 guards
5280 memorandum
5281 novels
5282 ordinarily
5283 labeled
5284 nest
...