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

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."

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 notes

In plain EnglishA familiar story element audiences instantly recognise.

Easily confused with

cliché → stereotype → motif →

Common pairings

a common trope subvert the trope tired trope

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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.

Origin: Greek

Synonyms

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cliché convention motif

Related Words

law conference agreement congress Assembly theme tradition convention

Rhymes for trope

ope pope mope rope dope hope lope nope cope slope grope scope

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.

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