narrative

/ˈnærətɪv/
nounIntermediate
formalliterary

A spoken or written account of connected events; a story or description of a series of events, experiences, or the like, whether true or fictitious.

The journalist crafted a compelling narrative about the refugee crisis.

The historian presented an alternative narrative of the war.

💡

The term can refer to both factual and fictional accounts, depending on the context.

Collocations

narrative arcthe structure or progression of a storynarrative voicethe perspective or tone of a storytellernarrative structurethe way a story is organized

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

narrative nonfictionphrase
a genre of writing that uses literary techniques to tell true stories
narrative therapyphrase
a form of counseling that focuses on personal stories

💡Pro Tip

Formal vs. Informal Use

While 'narrative' is often used in formal contexts, it can also appear in informal discussions about storytelling or personal experiences.

Gold Rule

Context Matters

The meaning of 'narrative' can shift depending on whether it is used in a literary, political, or therapeutic context.

📖Word Origin

From Middle French 'narratif,' from Latin 'narrativus,' meaning 'of or relating to narration,' from 'narrare' (to tell).

📝Usage Notes

In modern usage, 'narrative' can also refer to a framework or perspective used to interpret events, especially in media and politics.

Word Breakdown

narr-
to tell or recount
root
+
-ative
relating to or characterized by
suffix
English Dictionary