lore
5 synonyms and 0 antonyms for lore, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The accumulated knowledge, stories, and traditions about a subject, passed down over time.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use lore
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English lār, related to the verb "learn" — originally meaning teaching or instruction, before broadening to mean traditional or accumulated knowledge.
Full origin of lore →Frequently asked questions
What does “lore” mean?
The word “lore” means the accumulated knowledge, stories, and traditions about a subject, passed down over time. In plain terms, traditional knowledge and stories about a subject, or the background history of a fictional world.
How do you pronounce “lore”?
“Lore” is pronounced law (/loɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “lore” in a sentence?
Here is “lore” used in a sentence: “The old fisherman was full of local sea lore.”
What part of speech is “lore”?
“Lore” is a noun.
Where does the word “lore” come from?
The word “lore” comes from Old English. From Old English lār, related to the verb "learn" — originally meaning teaching or instruction, before broadening to mean traditional or accumulated knowledge.
Is “lore” a common word?
“Lore” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “lore” have?
“Lore” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the accumulated knowledge, stories, and traditions about a subject, passed down over time.
What is the difference between "lore" and "mythology"?
"Lore" refers broadly to the accumulated knowledge, stories, and traditions passed down about any subject, while "mythology" specifically refers to traditional stories, often involving gods or supernatural beings, that explain natural or cultural phenomena. Mythology is one form that lore can take, but lore can also cover practical knowledge with no supernatural element.
What does "lore" mean in the context of video games or fictional worlds?
In fiction and gaming, "lore" refers to the invented backstory and history behind a fictional world, character, or setting. It gives depth to a story by explaining how things came to be, even if that background is never fully shown to the audience.
Is "lore" always about fictional or invented material?
No. "Lore" can refer to real accumulated knowledge and traditions about a genuine subject, such as local plant lore or family lore, as well as the invented history behind a fictional world.