Titular: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from Latin 'titulus', which means 'title' or 'inscription'.
• It was first used in English during the early 19th century, signifying a character that shares the name with the title of a narrative.
• Originally, it referred not just to characters, but to someone holding a title, like a king or queen.

Literature

• In literature, a titular character often embodies the central themes of the work, showcasing their personality and struggles.
• Classic literary examples include 'Dracula' in Bram Stoker's novel and 'The Great Gatsby' in F. Scott Fitzgerald's work.
• When a book’s name features a character, it can heighten reader interest in how they develop throughout the story.

Pop Culture

• Titular characters often dominate film and television titles, drawing audiences in, like 'Jane Eyre' or 'Harry Potter'.
• In animated series, titular characters often reflect the show's central message, such as 'Dora the Explorer', who encourages exploration and learning.
• In video games, namesakes like 'Mario' in the 'Super Mario' series serve as brand identifiers that appeal to a wide audience.

Psychology

• The concept of a titular character can influence audience perception, creating strong emotional connections with viewers or readers.
• In narratives, how viewers relate to a titular figure can impact their engagement and satisfaction with the storyline.
• Identifying with a titular character can also shape personal identity, as viewers project traits or experiences onto them.

Theater

• In theater, titular roles often come with significant responsibility, as they carry the story's weight and emotional depth.
• Famous titular characters in plays, like 'Hamlet' or 'Macbeth', are crucial, as their decisions propel the narrative forward.
• Actors portraying titular roles often garner more recognition, making them the focus of key marketing efforts.

Positioned at #22,210, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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• 22207 mildness
• 22208 furtive
• 22209 speculator
• 22210 titular
• 22211 june
• 22212 stigmatized
• 22213 scornfully
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