Retell Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
📖
retell
[rɪˈtɛl ]
Definition
storytelling
To retell means to tell a story again or in a different way. It often involves summarizing or paraphrasing the original narrative while maintaining the essence of the main points. Retelling can be used as a technique in education to enhance comprehension by encouraging students to process and articulate what they have learned. This verb is often employed in literary contexts, where one might retell a fable or historical event.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She was asked to retell the story of her adventure.
- He has a talent for retelling classic fairy tales.
- The teacher encouraged students to retell the story in their own words.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Retelling stories is a common technique in literature that allows new voices and interpretations to emerge from classic tales.
- Popular children's books often encourage retelling by including interactive elements that invite readers to narrate their own versions.
Psychology
- Retelling a story can aid memory retention, as it reinforces understanding and creates stronger connections in the brain.
- The act of repeating and retelling experiences can aid in emotional processing and comprehension of events.
Education
- Teachers often use retelling as a strategy to assess a student's comprehension of a text, encouraging them to express it in their own way.
- This technique fosters critical thinking skills, as students must analyze and synthesize the material to summarize it effectively.
Cultural Practices
- Many cultures have a tradition of oral storytelling where stories are retold through generations, preserving history and morals.
- Retelling folk tales is not only a way to entertain but also to teach values, community identity, and life lessons.
Origin of 'retell'
Main points about word origin
- The prefix 're-' means 'again' in Latin, while 'tell' comes from Old English 'tellan', meaning to count, relate, or narrate.
- The combination of these parts illustrates the act of narrating something once more.
The word 'retell' originates from the prefix 're-' meaning 'again', and 'tell', which comes from Old English 'tellan', meaning 'to announce, count, or relate'. The concept of recounting a narrative or story again reflects an age-old tradition of oral storytelling. The use of retelling in education has gained importance over time, as retelling not only solidifies understanding but also enhances memory retention. As societies transitioned from oral traditions to written forms, the practice of retelling adapted, leading to various literary forms, including adaptations, sequels, and reimaginings of classic tales. This evolution illustrates the significance of retelling in preserving cultural narratives and in fostering creativity in literature.