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anecdote

noun

/ˈanɪkdəʊt/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of anecdote

A short, often humorous or interesting story or account of an event or incident.
"She shared a hilarious anecdote about her clumsy moment at the party."

Detailed meaning of anecdote

It is typically used to illustrate a point or to make a subject more relatable or engaging. Anecdotes are often used in speeches, presentations, and written works, such as essays and articles, as a way of introducing a topic or making a point more interesting. They can be true or fictional and often used to entertain, illustrate or just make a point. They can be personal experiences, stories from history, or even urban legends. Anecdotes can also be used in the field of medicine and psychology to illustrate a patient's condition or a specific case. They are usually brief and to the point, with a clear beginning and end. The term "anecdote" comes from the Greek word "anekdota" which means "unpublished" or "not given out", emphasizing on the personal or anecdotal nature of the story.

Example sentences containing anecdote

1. She shared a heartwarming anecdote about her childhood with a wide grin.
2. The book was filled with captivating anecdotes from the author's travels.
3. During the dinner party, he entertained guests with a humorous anecdote.
4. The professor began the lecture with a thought-provoking historical anecdote.
5. The comedian's stand-up routine was packed with hilarious anecdotes.
6. Grandma delighted us with an endearing anecdote from her youth.

History and etymology of anecdote

The noun 'anecdote' has an intriguing etymology. It can be traced back to the Greek word 'anekdota,' which means 'things unpublished.' In ancient Greece, these were secret or private writings and accounts of events that were not meant for public consumption. The term evolved over time, and during the Byzantine period, it came to refer to unpublished historical narratives. Later, in medieval Latin, it took on the meaning of 'short, obscure historical or biographical accounts.' By the 17th century, 'anecdote' had entered the English language, retaining its sense of brief, often amusing or interesting stories or accounts of real-life events or incidents. Today, anecdotes are widely used to add color, humor, and personal insight to conversations and narratives.

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Further usage examples of anecdote

1. The business leader used an inspiring anecdote to motivate the team.
2. The politician recounted a touching anecdote to connect with voters.
3. The teacher used an engaging anecdote to illustrate the lesson.
4. In her speech, she shared a poignant anecdote about overcoming adversity.
5. The memoir was full of personal anecdotes that resonated with readers.
6. The book contains a heartwarming anecdote about a rescue dog.
7. During the conversation, he told a fascinating anecdote about his travels.
8. The professor began the lecture with an intriguing anecdote.
9. My grandmother often tells a memorable anecdote from her childhood.
10. The comedian's performance was filled with amusing anecdotes.
11. The documentary featured a powerful anecdote from a survivor.
12. Her anecdote about meeting a famous author left a lasting impression.
13. The magazine published an inspiring anecdote about a young athlete.
14. In his speech, he shared an unforgettable anecdote from his career.
15. The podcast host opened the episode with a captivating historical anecdote.
16. The bartender often entertains patrons with an interesting anecdote.
17. The biography of the scientist contains a compelling anecdote about a breakthrough.
18. The campfire was the perfect setting for sharing spooky ghost anecdotes.
19. During the interview, he recounted a touching anecdote about a patient.
20. The tour guide enlivened the tour with an enlightening anecdote.
21. At family gatherings, they frequently reminisce with a favorite anecdote.
22. Her anecdote about a chance encounter with a childhood hero was heartwarming.
23. The CEO concluded the meeting with an illustrative anecdote about success.
24. The documentary included a personal anecdote that provided insight into the subject's life.