Reading Theme:
Narrative Definition: Story & Viewpoint (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：a story (narrative)
narrative
/ˈnær.ə.tɪv/
n.
a story that is told or written, describing a connected series of events.
a story
➕
/ə ˈstɔːri/
n.
A narrative is a spoken or written account of connected events; it is the story itself.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'narrativus', from 'narrare' (to tell), related to 'gnarus' (knowing).
💡 Mnemonic
Narrative starts with 'narr' like 'narrate' - just add 'ative' to tell a story.
📖 Example
The novelist skillfully weaved together the narrative from the perspectives of three different characters.
The novelist skillfully weaved together the narrative from the perspectives of three different characters.
🔗 Collocations
narrative structure – The framework that organizes a story, including plot, characters, and setting.
narrative voice – The perspective or style used by the author to tell the story.
narrative arc – The overall trajectory of a story from beginning to end, including rising action and climax.
🔄 Synonyms
🌱 Derivatives
📖 Cultural Story
Evolved from Latin 'narrare' (to tell), rooted in 'gnarus' (knowing). Essential for ancient Roman historians and poets, narrative became central to storytelling across cultures.
Meaning 2：a viewpoint (narrative)
narrative
/ˈnær.ə.tɪv/
n.
a particular way of explaining or understanding events, often reflecting a specific viewpoint.
a viewpoint
➕
/ə ˈvjuːpɔɪnt/
n.
A narrative can refer to a specific interpretation or perspective on events, often used to shape public opinion or understanding.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The documentary presented a very different narrative about the success of the community project than what was reported in the mainstream news.
The documentary presented a very different narrative about the success of the community project than what was reported in the mainstream news.
🔗 Collocations
dominant narrative – The mainstream or most widely accepted version of events.
alternative narrative – A different explanation or perspective that challenges the dominant one.
counter-narrative – A narrative that opposes or contradicts the prevailing story.
🔄 Synonyms
interpretation (n.) – A particular way of understanding or explaining something.
perspective (n.) – A particular attitude or way of regarding something.
viewpoint (n.) – A particular way of thinking about a subject.
Wordbook
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