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Plot: meaning, definitions and examples

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plot

 

[plɒt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in a story or movie

The sequence of events in a story or movie, including the order in which they occur and the way in which they relate to each other.

Synonyms

narrative, scenario, storyline.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
plot

Typically refers to the sequence of events that make up a story or the main events in a book, movie, etc. Often used in discussions about the structure of a work of fiction.

  • The plot of the movie was full of twists and turns
  • I really enjoyed the plot of the novel
storyline

Refers to the basic summary or outline of a story's main events. It's often used when talking about the main thread of a story.

  • The storyline of the TV show kept me hooked from the first episode
  • The movie had a complex and intriguing storyline
narrative

Focuses on the way a story is told, including the perspective, voice, and style. It's more about the storytelling method rather than just the sequence of events.

  • The narrative of the film was compelling and immersive
  • She has a unique narrative style in her writing
scenario

Often used to discuss hypothetical situations or the context in which a story's action takes place. Can relate to planning or staging events, not just stories.

  • In this scenario, the hero manages to save the day
  • We need to prepare for all possible scenarios in our project

Examples of usage

  • The plot of the novel was full of unexpected twists and turns.
  • The movie had a complex plot that kept the audience engaged until the very end.
Context #2 | Noun

piece of land

A small piece of ground, especially one used for a specific purpose such as gardening or building.

Synonyms

lot, parcel, tract.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
plot

Commonly used when referring to a small piece of land intended for building or gardening. It can also refer to a sequence of events in a story.

  • He bought a plot to build his new house.
  • The plot of the novel kept me on the edge of my seat.
parcel

Typically used to describe a portion of land that is owned or for sale. It can also refer to a package or bundle, usually wrapped for shipping.

  • The farmer sold a small parcel of his land to the developer.
  • She received a parcel in the mail yesterday.
lot

Often used to talk about a piece of land, especially one that is empty or intended for development. It is also frequently used in the context of parking (parking lot).

  • She purchased a lot at the corner of the street for her new shop.
  • We found a place to park in the lot near the mall.
tract

Generally used to describe a large area of land, especially one that is undeveloped or used for agricultural purposes.

  • They inherited a vast tract of farmland from their grandparents.
  • The government is considering developing the tract near the river.

Examples of usage

  • She bought a plot of land in the countryside to build her dream home.
  • The community garden consisted of several individual plots where residents could grow their own vegetables.
Context #3 | Verb

conspire

To secretly make plans together to commit an illegal or harmful act.

Synonyms

conspire, plan, scheme.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
plot

Used when referring to a devised plan, often secret, usually within stories, films, or books. It can also mean a small piece of land.

  • The plot of the story was full of twists and turns.
  • They bought a plot of land to build their new house.
conspire

Used when people secretly plan to do something illegal or harmful. It carries a negative connotation.

  • The group conspired to overthrow the government.
  • They were accused of conspiring against their boss.
scheme

Used when referring to a large-scale plan, sometimes with a negative connotation, suggesting deceitfulness.

  • The company unveiled a new scheme to attract customers.
  • The criminals devised a scheme to steal money from the bank.
plan

Used for a detailed proposal or scheme for achieving something. It is neutral and commonly used in everyday life.

  • She made a plan to save money for a new car.
  • We need a plan to finish the project on time.

Examples of usage

  • The group plotted to overthrow the government.
  • They were caught plotting a bank robbery.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Old English 'plot', meaning 'a small piece of land', which later evolved to mean 'the plan of a story'.
  • In the 16th century, 'plot' began being used in literature to describe the sequence of events, showing its transition from land to narrative.
  • Interestingly, in medieval times, it was also used in the context of a conspiracy or scheme, emphasizing its connection to storytelling and intrigue.

Literature

  • Most stories follow a classic structure, often called 'Freytag's Pyramid', which includes exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
  • Famous plots, like that of 'Romeo and Juliet', revolve around central themes like love, conflict, and fate, showing how diverse and complex narratives can be.
  • Many genres, from fairy tales to mysteries, rely on different plot structures, demonstrating various ways to surprise and engage readers.

Film and Media

  • In movies, directors often focus on the plot's pacing, creating tension and excitement that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.
  • Screenwriting techniques include 'plot twists', which are unexpected turns in the story that change the audience's understanding of the events.
  • Blockbuster films often utilize a 'three-act structure' to organize the plot effectively, making stories easy to follow and captivating.

Psychology

  • Studies show that humans are naturally inclined to seek patterns in stories, which is why we enjoy following plots that create suspense and anticipation.
  • Engaging narratives can evoke strong emotions, allowing audiences to empathize with characters and invest in their outcomes.
  • Understanding the plot can also aid in memory retention; stories are easier to remember when they have a clear narrative arc.

Cultural Impact

  • Many cultures have folklore that relies heavily on traditional plots, showcasing universal themes of heroism, morality, and community.
  • Modern adaptations of classic stories often reinterpret plots to resonate with contemporary audiences while retaining core elements.
  • Social media narratives and interactive games have transformed plot structures, allowing users to engage in storytelling collaboratively.

Translations

Translations of the word "plot" in other languages:

🇵🇹 trama

🇮🇳 कथानक

🇩🇪 Handlung

🇮🇩 alur

🇺🇦 сюжет

🇵🇱 fabuła

🇯🇵 プロット

🇫🇷 intrigue

🇪🇸 trama

🇹🇷 konu

🇰🇷 줄거리

🇸🇦 حبكة

🇨🇿 zápletka

🇸🇰 dej

🇨🇳 情节

🇸🇮 zgodba

🇮🇸 söguþráður

🇰🇿 сюжет

🇬🇪 სიუჟეტი

🇦🇿 süjet

🇲🇽 trama

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,161, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.