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narration

C2
noun

Pronunciation

UK

  • /nərˈeɪʃən/

US

  • /nɛˈreɪʃən/

Description

Narration is how a story is told. It's not just what happens, but who tells it, from whose point of view, and with what kind of voice. Think about sitting around a campfire: it isn't just the events of the ghost story, it's the way the storyteller builds suspense, uses their voice, and makes you feel like you're right there!

Narration can be found in books, movies, video games, and even everyday conversations. A first-person narration ("I went to the store...") feels very personal, while a third-person narration ("She walked to the store...") feels more distant. Good narration pulls you into the story and makes it come alive. Sometimes it is direct, with someone clearly telling the story. Other times, it is shown through dialogue and action.

Examples

  1. 1

    Documentary voiceover

    The documentary uses calm narration over old photos and film clips.

  2. 2

    Audiobook

    The audiobook's narration was so warm that I finished it in two days.

  3. 3

    Point of view

    In the novel, the narration switches from first person to third person halfway through.

    • Meaning

      first-person narration uses "I"; third-person narration uses names, "he," or "she"

  4. 4

    Film storytelling

    The film has very little dialogue, so the narration carries much of the story.

  5. 5

    Accident account

    Her narration of the accident was clear, but it left out a few important details.

    • Usage

      narration of + event

      a formal way to describe someone's account of what happened

Forms and spellings

2 forms open this card.

Main spelling

  • narrationnoun

Forms

  • narrationspluralnoun