Folklore
/ˈfoʊklɔːr/
Definitions
The traditional beliefs, customs, and stories of a community, passed through generations, often orally.
/ˈfoʊklɔːr/
Traditional beliefs, customs, and stories of a community.
The book explores the rich folklore of the indigenous tribes of the Amazon.
💡 Simply: Folklore is like the stories, traditions, and beliefs that are passed down in a family or community. Think of it as the 'secret recipes' of a culture, the ghost stories, and the ways people used to do things.
👶 For kids: Folklore is like the old stories, songs, and traditions that people in a place share with each other. Like how your grandma might tell you a fairy tale!
More Examples
The museum features an exhibit on local folklore and its connection to the region's history.
Many of the fairy tales we know are derived from European folklore.
How It's Used
"The study of folklore helps anthropologists understand the cultural values of different societies."
"Many fantasy novels draw heavily on folklore and mythology."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
to be steeped in folklore
To be very knowledgeable about, or influenced by, folklore.
"The region is steeped in folklore, and you can feel it everywhere you go."
From German *Volkskunde* (folk + knowledge) or *Volkslore* (folk + lore), influenced by the English words 'folk' and 'lore'. The term gained currency in the mid-19th century as a scholarly discipline to study the traditional beliefs, customs, and stories of a community.
The term gained prominence in the 19th century with the rise of national consciousness and Romanticism, where scholars sought to understand and preserve cultural heritage.
Memory tip
Think of "folk" (people) and "lore" (knowledge). Folklore is the knowledge and stories passed down through a community's people.
Word Origin
"folk + knowledge/lore"