noun
trope
TROHP
Trope (noun) means a recurring device, theme or cliché in storytelling — the plucky orphan, the last-minute dash to the airport. Example: “The film leans on every romantic-comedy trope going.”
noun
1
A recurring device, theme or cliché in storytelling — the plucky orphan, the last-minute dash to the airport.
"The film leans on every romantic-comedy trope going."
2
technical A figure of speech in which words are used in a non-literal way, such as metaphor or irony.
"Irony is a trope, not a plot device."
How to use trope
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA familiar story element audiences instantly recognise.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
a common trope
subvert the trope
tired trope
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like trope.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The film leans on every romantic-comedy _____ going.
Etymology
From Greek "tropos," a turn or way — a turn of phrase, hence a figure of speech, and later a recurring narrative device.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for trope
See all rhymes for trope →Frequently asked questions
What does trope mean?
A familiar, recurring device in stories — a stock character, situation or plot turn that audiences recognise. In literary study it also means a figure of speech such as metaphor or irony.
Is a trope the same as a cliché?
Not quite. A trope is a recognisable convention and can be used well or badly. A cliché is a trope that has been used so often it has gone stale.
What is the meaning of trope?
"trope" (noun) means a recurring device, theme or cliché in storytelling — the plucky orphan, the last-minute dash to the airport.
What is another word for trope?
Other words for "trope" include cliché, convention, motif, figure, image.
