Tale: meaning, definitions and examples

Tale can be used for any type of story, whether true or fictional, often with a magical or adventurous element.

• He told an enchanting tale of dragons and knights.
• Her tale of surviving the storm was gripping.

Story is a general term that can be used in almost any situation where events or experiences are narrated, whether they are real or imagined.

• She wrote a story about her childhood adventures.
• Grandpa always has an interesting story to tell about his youth.

Fable is best used for short stories that typically feature animals as characters and convey a moral lesson.

• The fable of the tortoise and the hare teaches us that slow and steady wins the race.
• Aesop's fables are well-known for their moral lessons.

Legend refers to traditional stories that are believed to have a historical basis, though they often contain mythical elements.

• The legend of King Arthur has been passed down through generations.
• Many people believe in the legend of the Loch Ness Monster.

Used to describe a narrative, generally fictional, often with imaginative or fantastical elements. It can also refer to a story about real events, usually told in an engaging or exaggerated way.

• She told us an old folk tale about a haunted house
• The sailors shared tales of their adventures at sea

A small or harmless lie, usually told to avoid hurting someone's feelings or to evade minor trouble. It has a light-hearted connotation.

• When asked about the broken vase, the child told a little fib
• She didn't want to hurt his feelings, so she told a fib

Typically refers to something made up or invented, often with the intention to deceive. It has a more formal and negative connotation compared to other synonyms.

• The journalist was fired for including fabrications in his report
• He accused her of fabricating stories to ruin his reputation

Used to describe a statement that is not true. It is often used in a context where honesty and integrity are in question, though it is less harsh than 'fabrication'.

• The investigation revealed several untruths in his testimony
• He didn't mean to lie, but what he said was an untruth

Usually refers to a story, often one that is imaginative or told to entertain. It can also imply a fictional or exaggerated story.

• The grandmother told a magical tale of fairies and dragons.
• His tale about the adventure sounded too good to be true.

Typically refers to the action of determining the total number of something through counting. It can also mean to consider or regard something in a specific way.

• Please count the number of books on the shelf.
• You can always count on me for support.

Used when referring to a numerical value or a quantity. It can also serve as a noun meaning a symbol or word designating a position in a series.

• She has a number of responsibilities at work.
• What's your favorite number?

Refers to the final amount, sum, or whole obtained by adding individual parts together.

• The total cost of the trip is $300.
• He was surprised by the total number of participants.