Anecdotes are short stories or accounts of a particular event or incident. They are often used to illustrate a point, provide a humorous or interesting anecdote, or simply to entertain. Anecdotes can be found in a variety of settings, from casual conversations to formal speeches, and can be told by anyone, regardless of their background or profession.
Definitions
Anecdotes are defined as short, interesting stories or accounts of a particular event or incident. They are often used to illustrate a point, provide a humorous or interesting anecdote, or simply to entertain. Anecdotes can be found in a variety of settings, from casual conversations to formal speeches, and can be told by anyone, regardless of their background or profession.
Origin
The word “anecdote” comes from the Greek word “anekdota,” which means “things unpublished.” The term was originally used to describe the secret histories of the Byzantine Empire, which were not available to the general public. Over time, the meaning of the word evolved to refer to any short, interesting story or account.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, an anecdote is “a short and amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “a usually short narrative of an interesting, amusing, or biographical incident.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “a short, often amusing story about an event.”
Associations
Anecdotes are often associated with humor, entertainment, and storytelling. They can be used to break the ice in social situations, to add levity to a serious discussion, or to provide a memorable example of a particular concept or idea.
Synonyms
Synonyms for anecdotes include: story, tale, narrative, account, incident, episode, sketch, memoir, and recollection.
Antonyms
Antonyms for anecdotes include: fact, statistic, data, evidence, and proof.
The same root words
The word “anecdote” comes from the Greek word “anekdota,” which means “things unpublished.” Other words that come from the same root include “anecdotal” (relating to or consisting of anecdotes), “anecdotist” (a person who tells anecdotes), and “anecdotage” (a period of life when one is fond of telling anecdotes).
Example Sentences
- “Let me tell you an anecdote about my trip to Paris.”
- “The speaker used an anecdote to illustrate her point.”
- “He was known for his ability to tell amusing anecdotes at dinner parties.”
Anecdotes are short, interesting stories or accounts of a particular event or incident. They are often used to illustrate a point, provide a humorous or interesting anecdote, or simply to entertain. Anecdotes can be found in a variety of settings, from casual conversations to formal speeches, and can be told by anyone, regardless of their background or profession.