narrative
A narrative is a spoken or written account of connected events; a story. It is the way a sequence of events is told or organized to give meaning to an audience.
Examples
3 of 5She shared a short narrative about her childhood during the meeting.
She shared a short narrative about her childhood during the meeting.
The legal report provides a detailed narrative of the incident.
The legal report provides a detailed narrative of the incident.
So, what's the narrative behind your new tattoo?
So, what's the narrative behind your new tattoo?
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Narrator' in a documentary who explains the 'Narrative' (the story) of the animals.
Quick Quiz
The author used a first-person _______ to make the reader feel closer to the character.
Correct!
The correct answer is: narrative
Examples
She shared a short narrative about her childhood during the meeting.
everydayShe shared a short narrative about her childhood during the meeting.
The legal report provides a detailed narrative of the incident.
formalThe legal report provides a detailed narrative of the incident.
So, what's the narrative behind your new tattoo?
informalSo, what's the narrative behind your new tattoo?
Scholars often analyze the narrative structure of epic poetry.
academicScholars often analyze the narrative structure of epic poetry.
We need to build a stronger brand narrative to reach our customers.
businessWe need to build a stronger brand narrative to reach our customers.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
change the narrative
change the narrative
master narrative
master narrative
push a narrative
push a narrative
Often Confused With
A narrative is the story itself, while a narrator is the person telling the story.
A novel is a specific book-length type of narrative, whereas narrative is a general term for any story sequence.
Usage Notes
Narrative is often used in literary or professional contexts to talk about the structure or the 'spin' of a story. It is more formal than simply using the word 'story'.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'narrative' when they mean a fictional book only, but a narrative can be a true report of facts or even a brand strategy.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Narrator' in a documentary who explains the 'Narrative' (the story) of the animals.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'narrativus' meaning 'telling a story', from 'narrare' (to tell).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In modern media and politics, the term 'narrative' is frequently used to describe the specific way a news story is framed to influence public opinion.
Quick Quiz
The author used a first-person _______ to make the reader feel closer to the character.
Correct!
The correct answer is: narrative
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
complement
A2A thing that completes or brings to perfection something else. In grammar, it refers to a word or phrase that follows a verb and provides more information about the subject or object.
compound
A2Describes something that is made of two or more separate parts or elements joined together. It is often used to talk about words, sentences, or chemical substances that have multiple components.
conceive
A2To form an idea, plan, or concept in the mind. It is also the medical term used to describe when a woman becomes pregnant.
confer
A2To discuss something with other people in order to reach a decision or exchange ideas. It can also mean to officially give an honor, title, or degree to someone.
conform
A2To behave according to rules, standards, or what is expected by a group of people. It means to fit in or act in a way that matches others.
consecutive
A2Following one after another in a continuous series without any breaks. It describes things that happen in a logical order, like numbers (1, 2, 3) or days (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday).
consistency
A2Consistency is the quality of always acting or behaving in the same way. it also describes how thick or smooth a liquid or substance is.
disclude
B1Describing a state where someone or something is left out, omitted, or not allowed to participate in a group or activity. It refers to the condition of being kept apart from a whole or a set.
antiformous
B1Describes a shape or structure that is curved or folded upwards like an arch. It is most often used in geology and geometry to describe a convex surface.
interspect
B1Describing a person who is thoughtful and focused on their own internal thoughts and feelings. It refers to the act of looking inward to examine one's own emotions and motives rather than focusing on external things.
Comments (0)
Login to CommentStart learning languages for free
Start Learning Free