Basic Details
Word: Anecdote
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A short and interesting story about a real incident or person.
Synonyms: Story, tale, narrative
Antonyms: Fact, truth
Idioms and Phrases
- In a nutshell: Used when summarising a situation or story. Example: "The lecture was long, but in a nutshell, it was all about teamwork."
- Truth is stranger than fiction: This means that real-life events can be more unbelievable than made-up stories. Example: "He told us about the time he met a celebrity by chance; truth is stranger than fiction!"
Usage Examples
Example 1: During the school assembly, the teacher shared an anecdote about her childhood that made everyone laugh.
Example 2: The book is filled with anecdotes that illustrate important life lessons.
Example 3: At the family gathering, my grandfather told an anecdote about his first job, captivating all the children around the table.
Fun Fact
The word "anecdote" comes from the Greek word "anekdota," which means "things unpublished." Initially, it referred to stories that were not included in literary works or public writings.
Famous Quote
"Anecdotes do not generalize; they illustrate." Judith Viorst
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "anecdote" mean?
a) A lengthy novel
b) A short and interesting story
c) A detailed report
d) A scientific fact
Answer: b) A short and interesting story
2. Which of these is a synonym of "anecdote"?
a) Poem
b) Narrative
c) Essay
d) Article
Answer: b) Narrative
3. Which of the following is an antonym of "anecdote"?
a) Story
b) Falsehood
c) Truth
d) Tale
Answer: c) Truth
4. Which sentence uses "anecdote" correctly?
a) The anecdote was a real rollercoaster of emotions, like a thrilling ride.
b) She built an anecdote for her house this summer.
c) His anecdote about dinosaurs was highly educational.
d) They used an anecdote to bake a cake.
Answer: a) The anecdote was a real rollercoaster of emotions, like a thrilling ride.
5. Which idiom relates to the way "anecdote" is used?
a) In a nutshell
b) As smooth as butter
c) Read between the lines
d) A dime a dozen
Answer: a) In a nutshell
