Novel

Definition

Novel is a noun and an adjective. As a noun, it refers to a long narrative work of fiction, typically in prose. As an adjective, it describes something new, original, or unusual.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈnɑː.vəl/ (noun), /ˈnɑː.vəl/ (adjective)
• Respelling: NAH-vuhl

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈnɒv.əl/ (noun), /ˈnɒv.əl/ (adjective)
• Respelling: NOV-uhl

Etymology

The word "novel" as a noun comes from the Italian "novella," meaning "new story," which originates from Latin "novellus," a diminutive of "novus," meaning "new." As an adjective, it directly derives from Latin "novellus," maintaining its meaning of "new" or "unprecedented."

Derivatives

• Novelist (noun)
• Novella (noun)
• Novelistic (adjective)
• Novelization (noun)
• Novelty (noun)

Synonyms

• Fiction (noun)
• Innovation (adjective)
• Originality (adjective)

Antonyms

• Reality (noun)
• Conventional (adjective)
• Ordinary (adjective)

Usage

The term "novel" is commonly used in literary contexts to describe long fictional works and in everyday speech to highlight originality or newness. For example, "She is reading a classic Victorian novel" (noun) or "The scientist proposed a novel solution to the problem" (adjective).

Related Terms

• Story: A narrative account, often shorter and less complex than a novel.
• Prose: Written or spoken language in its ordinary form, without metrical structure.
• Innovation: The process of introducing something new.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A long narrative work of fiction: Typically in prose, often exploring complex characters and plots.
  • Example: "Her debut novel received critical acclaim."
• A literary genre: Refers to the category of long, written fictional narratives.
  • Example: "The novel has evolved over centuries."

Adjective

• New or unusual in an interesting way: Describes ideas, methods, or approaches that are innovative or unprecedented.
  • Example: "The company’s novel approach to marketing was highly effective."
• Not previously experienced or encountered: Used to describe something unfamiliar or groundbreaking.
  • Example: "The study revealed novel findings about climate change."