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Story: meaning, definitions and examples

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story

 

[ˈstɔːri ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

short story

A story is a narrative, either true or fictitious, designed to interest, amuse, or instruct the hearer or reader. It is a form of human communication that uses words and symbols to convey meaning. Stories can be passed down through generations and play a crucial role in shaping cultures and identities.

Synonyms

legend, narrative, tale.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
story

A story can be used in a general sense to describe any account of events, real or fictional.

  • She told me a fascinating story about her travels around the world
tale

A tale is typically a short story that may involve imaginary or fantastical events and characters. It is often used for storytelling aimed at children.

  • Grandma always tells us a bedtime tale before we go to sleep
narrative

A narrative is a structured account of a series of events, often with a clear beginning, middle, and end. It's used in more formal or literary contexts.

  • The narrative of the novel kept me engaged until the very last page
legend

A legend often refers to a traditional story or myth that is believed to have historical roots but includes fictional elements.

  • The legend of King Arthur has been told for centuries

Examples of usage

  • Her grandparents used to tell her bedtime stories.
  • The movie was based on a true story.
  • The story of Romeo and Juliet is a classic love tale.
Context #2 | Noun

history

In the context of history, a story refers to a particular account of events, especially one that is based on personal experience or hearsay. Stories from the past help us understand the world we live in today and provide insights into human behavior and societal structures.

Synonyms

account, chronicle, narrative.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
story

Used for a broad range of narratives, whether real or imagined, and in both formal and informal settings.

  • She told me a fascinating story about her travels in Africa.
  • The children gathered around for bedtime stories.
account

Used primarily in formal or factual situations, often involving a detailed description of events or experiences.

  • His account of the event was very thorough and helped the police investigation.
  • The book gives a first-hand account of life during the war.
chronicle

Used for detailed and chronological descriptions of events over time, often in written form and in formal contexts.

  • The historian compiled a chronicle of the king's reign.
  • The movie is a chronicle of the artist's journey to fame.
narrative

Used in a literary context to describe the structured and creative telling of a story, often with a focus on the storytelling technique.

  • The narrative of the novel is non-linear and shifts between different time periods.
  • His narrative style captures the reader's attention from the very first page.

Examples of usage

  • The stories of ancient civilizations are fascinating.
  • Family stories passed down through generations can provide valuable insights.
  • The war veteran shared his story with the younger generation.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'story' comes from the Latin word 'historia,' meaning a tale or narrative.
  • In ancient times, storytelling was a way to share history and knowledge before books were invented.

Cultural Significance

  • Many cultures have oral traditions where stories are passed down through generations, shaping their identity.
  • Fables and folklore have been used globally to teach moral lessons, like 'The Tortoise and the Hare.'

Psychology

  • Stories can elicit emotions and help people understand complex feelings, making them a tool for healing.
  • Engaging with stories activates our imagination, allowing us to see the world from different perspectives.

Literature

  • The short story genre emerged in the 19th century, focusing on character and brevity.
  • Novels often develop rich narratives over many pages, while poems can encapsulate a story in just a few lines.

Pop Culture

  • Movies, TV shows, and video games often rely on compelling stories to connect with audiences.
  • The 'hero's journey' is a common storytelling theme where the protagonist faces challenges and grows, seen in popular films.

Translations

Translations of the word "story" in other languages:

🇵🇹 história

🇮🇳 कहानी

🇩🇪 Geschichte

🇮🇩 cerita

🇺🇦 історія

🇵🇱 historia

🇯🇵 物語 (monogatari)

🇫🇷 histoire

🇪🇸 historia

🇹🇷 hikaye

🇰🇷 이야기 (iyagi)

🇸🇦 قصة (qissa)

🇨🇿 příběh

🇸🇰 príbeh

🇨🇳 故事 (gùshì)

🇸🇮 zgodba

🇮🇸 saga

🇰🇿 әңгіме

🇬🇪 მოთხრობა (motkhroba)

🇦🇿 hekayə

🇲🇽 historia

Word Frequency Rank

At #648 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.