Trilogy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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trilogy

[ˈtrɪlədʒi ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

literary work

A trilogy is a set of three related works of art, often in the form of books, films, or plays, that are interconnected and tell a continuous story. The three installments usually build upon each other, deepening the narrative and developing the characters throughout the sequence.

Synonyms

sequence, series, triptych.

Examples of usage

  • The 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy captivated millions of readers.
  • She binge-watched the 'Cinderella' trilogy over the weekend.
  • The director announced a trilogy to follow the success of the first film.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Literature

  • One of the most famous trilogies in literature is J.R.R. Tolkien's 'The Lord of the Rings'.
  • Other notable trilogies include 'The Hunger Games' by Suzanne Collins and 'The Dark Tower' series by Stephen King.

Film

  • Film trilogies often enhance a story by building complex narratives, such as 'The Godfather' trilogy directed by Francis Ford Coppola.
  • The 'Star Wars' original trilogy created a significant cultural impact and has a dedicated fan base.

Psychology

  • Psychologically, trilogies can help audiences become more invested as they follow characters over a longer narrative arc.
  • The suspense created by having to wait for each installment can enhance engagement with the story.

Pop Culture

  • Trilogies are so popular that they have become a common way to structure films and books, banking on audiences' desire for extended storytelling.
  • With the rise of streaming platforms, several trilogies have been released as mini-series, blending traditional formats with new viewing habits.

Origin of 'trilogy'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'trilogy' comes from the Greek word 'trilogia', where 'tri' means three and 'logia' means speaking or discourse.
  • Historically, the term was often used to describe three-part plays in ancient Greek drama.

The word 'trilogy' originates from the Greek word 'trilogia', which is a combination of 'tri-' meaning three and 'logia' meaning discourse or study. Initially used to describe sets of three tragedies performed at the ancient Greek festivals, the term evolved over time to encompass three-part narratives in literature, cinema, and other forms of art. The use of the term became more widespread in the 19th century as a means to categorize literary and dramatic works. Today, trilogies are a popular format for storytelling, allowing for expansive world-building and character development across multiple installments, thereby engaging audiences on a deeper level.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,150, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.