narrative Definition
- 1a spoken or written account of connected events; a story
- 2the representation of a particular situation or process in such a way as to reflect or conform to an overarching set of aims or values
Using narrative: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "narrative" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The novel has a complex narrative structure.
Example
The documentary presents a compelling narrative of the war.
Example
She shared her personal narrative with the audience.
narrative Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with narrative
a comprehensive explanation or interpretation of historical events, generally encompassing a wide range of subjects and often incorporating a political or ideological agenda
Example
The grand narrative of American history is often contested by different groups with different perspectives.
an individual's account of their own experiences, often used in the context of memoirs or autobiographies
Example
Her personal narrative about overcoming adversity inspired many people.
the prevailing or widely accepted version of events or history, often reflecting the perspectives of those in power
Example
The dominant narrative of colonialism often overlooks the perspectives of colonized peoples.
Origins of narrative
from Latin 'narrativus', meaning 'related to narration'
Summary: narrative in Brief
A 'narrative' [ˈnærətɪv] refers to a spoken or written account of connected events, often with a story-like structure. It can also refer to the representation of a particular situation or process in a way that reflects overarching aims or values. Examples include the complex narrative structure of a novel and the personal narratives shared by individuals. Phrases like 'grand narrative' and 'dominant narrative' refer to comprehensive explanations of historical events and the prevailing versions of events, respectively.
