What does "narrative" mean?

1. (a perspective or interpretation) a particular way of explaining or understanding a situation or series of events. 2. (telling a story) relating to the telling of a story.

narrative

n. · adj.

US //ˈnæɹətɪv// UK //nˈæɹətˌɪv// nar·ra·tive

1 a perspective or interpretation (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

a particular way of explaining or understanding a situation or series of events.

a representation of a particular situation or process in such a way as to reflect or conform to an overarching set of aims or values.

Example

The government tried to change the narrative about the economy by focusing on new jobs.

Example

Political consultants often attempt to control the media narrative by releasing specific data points that support their candidate's preferred version of events.
2 telling a story (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

relating to the telling of a story.

consisting of or characterised by the telling of a story. Often used to describe a style of writing or art.

Example

The artist is famous for her narrative paintings that show scenes from history.

Example

The poet's narrative style allows the reader to visualise the protagonist's journey through the rural landscape in vivid detail.
- storytelling
- anecdotal

Origin

Borrowed from Middle Scots narrative, nerrative, from Middle French narratif, from Latin narrātīvus, from narrō (“to narrate”).