Tales: meaning, definitions and examples

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tales

[teɪlz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

storytelling

Tales are traditional stories or legends, often passed down through generations. They can be fictional or based on real events, and are typically used to entertain, teach moral lessons, or explain natural phenomena.

Synonyms

fables, legends, stories.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
tales	Tales are narratives that are often imaginative or fictional, and can include folk tales, fairy tales, or any type of narrative that is engaging and entertaining. They are commonly used when discussing various kinds of storytelling that are more elaborate and entertaining. She loved reading tales about dragons and wizards. The old man had many tales from his youth.
stories	Stories are general narratives that can be either true or fictional, and they can be of any length or topic. This term is broadly used for any kind of narrative form. She told a story about her trip to the mountains. The teacher read a story to the children before nap time.
legends	Legends are semi-historical stories that often contain a mix of fact and myth. They are usually based on historical events or figures but are embellished over time. The legend of King Arthur is known around the world. Many legends are passed down through generations and become part of cultural heritage.
fables	Fables are short stories that usually feature animals and convey a moral lesson. They are traditionally used to teach children about moral values and lessons. Aesop's fables are famous for their moral lessons. The fable of the tortoise and the hare teaches about the importance of persistence.

Examples of usage

Tales of knights and dragons captivated the children around the campfire.
The villagers gathered to hear the old man's tales of magic and adventure.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

rumors

Tales can also refer to rumors or gossip, especially when they are exaggerated or untrue. These tales are often spread quickly through word of mouth and can cause misunderstandings or conflicts.

Synonyms

gossip, hearsay, rumors.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
tales	Use 'tales' when describing stories, especially those that are imaginative or fictional. These can be fairytales, legends, or other types of storytelling. Grandma used to tell us fascinating tales about heroes and monsters The children sat around the campfire, eagerly listening to ghost tales
rumors	Use 'rumors' for unverified pieces of information or stories that spread from person to person. They often have a negative connotation as they can be false and damaging. There are rumors going around that the company might be shutting down High school is often rife with unfounded rumors about students
gossip	Use 'gossip' when referring to informal, often sensational talk about other people's private lives. It can have a negative connotation as it implies sharing potentially harmful or unverified information. She loves to gossip about celebrities' latest scandals Office gossip can sometimes create a lot of unnecessary drama
hearsay	Use 'hearsay' when referring to information received from others that one cannot adequately substantiate. It's often used in legal or formal contexts to denote unverified and indirect information. The judge dismissed the statement as hearsay, since it couldn't be proven You shouldn't base your decisions on mere hearsay

Examples of usage

Don't believe the tales you hear about the new teacher - they're just gossip.
The tales of scandal surrounding the celebrity turned out to be completely unfounded.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The word 'tale' comes from the Old English 'talu,' meaning 'count' or 'story,' highlighting its storytelling roots.
Folktales have been passed down through generations, often adapted to reflect the culture they originate from.
Many ancient cultures, like the Greeks and Egyptians, used tales to explain natural phenomena and societal norms.

Literature

Famous stories, such as Aesop's Fables, use simple tales to impart moral lessons.
In literature, 'tales' can encompass a range of styles, from fairy tales to horror, showcasing universal human experiences.
Some classic authors, like Edgar Allan Poe, crafted tales that delve into dark themes, exploring the human psyche.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, storytelling is a crucial part of traditions, with tales helping to preserve history and reinforce community values.
Tales often reflect the values and fears of society, showcasing the hopes and dreams of different eras.
Oral storytelling traditions remain vital in indigenous cultures, allowing for the sharing of knowledge and cultural identity.

Psychology

Research shows that storytelling can foster empathy, as engaging with characters allows listeners to understand different perspectives.
Humans are naturally drawn to narratives; tales can help process emotions and experiences in a relatable way.
Listening to or telling tales has therapeutic benefits, aiding in emotional expression and connection.

Pop Culture

Modern cinema heavily relies on tales, influencing genres like superhero movies, fantasy epics, and romantic comedies.
Video games often incorporate narratives, with players experiencing tales through interactive storytelling.
With the rise of podcasts and streaming services, storytelling has found new platforms, captivating audiences worldwide.

Translations

Translations of the word "tales" in other languages:

🇵🇹 contos

🇮🇳 कहानियाँ (kahaniyan)

🇩🇪 Geschichten

🇮🇩 cerita

🇺🇦 казки

🇵🇱 opowieści

🇯🇵 物語 (monogatari)

🇫🇷 contes

🇪🇸 cuentos

🇹🇷 hikayeler

🇰🇷 이야기 (iyagi)

🇸🇦 قصص (qisas)

🇨🇿 příběhy

🇸🇰 príbehy

🇨🇳 故事 (gùshì)

🇸🇮 zgodbe

🇮🇸 sögur

🇰🇿 әңгімелер (äñgimeler)

🇬🇪 მოთხრობები (motkhrobebi)

🇦🇿 hekayələr

🇲🇽 cuentos

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,702 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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5699 protocol
5700 apex
5701 fore
5702 tales
5703 qualitative
5704 efficacy
5705 exhaust
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