narrator
nuh-RAY-tuh
Narrator (noun) means a person who tells a story, or whose voice or perspective is used to tell it. Example: “The narrator of the novel is a child who doesn't fully understand what she's witnessing.”
noun
1
A person who tells a story, or whose voice or perspective is used to tell it.
"The narrator of the novel is a child who doesn't fully understand what she's witnessing."
"A famous actor served as the narrator for the nature documentary."
"The narrator of the audiobook has a calm voice that makes it perfect for bedtime."
How to use narrator
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe person telling the story, whether in a book, film, or documentary.
Common pairings
unreliable narrator
first-person narrator
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Word forms
- Plural
- narrators
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The _____ of the novel is a child who doesn't fully understand what she's witnessing.
Etymology
From "narrate" plus the agent suffix "-or", mirroring the Latin narrator.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for narrator
See all rhymes for narrator →Frequently asked questions
What does “narrator” mean?
The word “narrator” means a person who tells a story, or whose voice or perspective is used to tell it. In plain terms, the person telling the story, whether in a book, film, or documentary.
How do you pronounce “narrator”?
“Narrator” is pronounced nuh-RAY-tuh (/ˈnæˌɹeɪ.təɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “narrator” in a sentence?
Here is “narrator” used in a sentence: “The narrator of the novel is a child who doesn't fully understand what she's witnessing.”
What part of speech is “narrator”?
“Narrator” is a noun.
Where does the word “narrator” come from?
The word “narrator” comes from Latin. From "narrate" plus the agent suffix "-or", mirroring the Latin narrator.
Is “narrator” a common word?
“Narrator” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between a narrator and an author?
A narrator is the person, character, or voice used to tell a story, while an author is the actual writer who creates the work. The narrator can be a fictional character within a story, whereas the author exists outside it.
What is the difference between a narrator and a protagonist?
A narrator is whoever tells the story or provides its perspective, while a protagonist is the main character the story is about. A narrator can be the protagonist, a secondary character, or an entirely separate voice, such as in third-person narration.
Is a narrator always a person?
A narrator is typically described as a person who tells a story, but the term is also used more broadly for any voice or perspective used to tell it, including a disembodied or unnamed narrative voice in film or literature.
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