Narration
/nəˈreɪʃən/
Definitions
3 meaningsThe act or process of telling a story, either orally or in writing.
/nəˈreɪʃən/
The act of telling a story.
The novel's narration was compelling, drawing the reader into the world of the story.
💡 Simply: It's like when you tell a story or explain what's happening. Imagine you're describing what's going on in a movie or a book; that's narration!
👶 For kids: Telling a story!
More Examples
The use of first-person narration gave a unique perspective on the events.
The documentary's narration provided crucial context for understanding the historical events.
How It's Used
"The novel's narration shifted between several different points of view."
"The documentary used voice-over narration to explain the historical context."
A story, or account of events, told or presented.
/nəˈreɪʃən/
The story that is told.
The film's narration was gripping, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.
💡 Simply: The story itself! Like the plot of a movie or a book - the 'narration' is what happens in the story.
👶 For kids: The story that is told!
More Examples
The historical narration offered insights into the political climate of the time.
The author's narration was full of rich descriptions.
How It's Used
"The author's narration of the events was both engaging and informative."
"The film's narration cleverly revealed plot twists."
The skill or process of telling a story, often professionally.
/nəˈreɪʃən/
The act or practice of narrating or telling a story, especially as a professional skill.
His background in theater gave him the perfect skills for the narration of historical documentaries.
💡 Simply: When someone is good at telling stories, like a voice actor in a documentary or an audiobook reader. They make the story come alive!
👶 For kids: When someone tells a story very well!
More Examples
The engaging narration of the audiobook kept the listener hooked from beginning to end.
She was praised for her skillful narration.
How It's Used
"His smooth narration made him a favorite in nature documentaries."
"The quality of the narration significantly influenced the audiobook's popularity."
Idioms & expressions
point of narration
The perspective from which a story is told (e.g., first person, third person).
"The shift in point of narration added to the story's complexity."
reliable narrator
A narrator whose account of events can be trusted by the reader.
"The novel featured a reliable narrator, allowing the readers to accept the plot development as truth."
From Latin *narratio*, meaning 'a relating, a recounting', derived from *narrare* 'to tell, relate'.
The term 'narration' has been used since the 14th century, evolving from its Latin origin.
Memory tip
Think of a 'narrator' telling a 'narration'.