Word
narrate
Phoneticsnar·rate, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈnɛˌɹeɪt/
UK/nɐɹˈeɪt/
Definition
v. to tell a story or describe an event in words. You use this when someone speaks or writes about a series of events in a clear order.
v. to tell a story or describe an event in words, typically in a sequential manner. Often used in the context of audio-visual media or written accounts.
Examples
“The actor will narrate the documentary.”
“The author chose to narrate the story from the perspective of the youngest child to create a sense of innocence.”
“While the director intended for the film to be silent, the studio insisted that a narrator be hired to provide context for the international audience.”
Examples
simple
“The actor will narrate the documentary.”
contextual
“The author chose to narrate the story from the perspective of the youngest child to create a sense of innocence.”
complex
“While the director intended for the film to be silent, the studio insisted that a narrator be hired to provide context for the international audience.”
Real-World Examples
“Here’s the clever bit: he narrates it all from the point of view of Octavius’s right-hand man, Agrippa, a much less well-remembered figure.” “But there is little to gain from this trot through Monroe’s life, narrated in cliches.” Etymology
In English (recorded only since 1656, but until the 19th century stigmatized as 'Scottish') apparently from narration.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/narrate