Tale

Definition

A tale is a narrative, often imaginative or fictitious, recounting events or stories, typically for entertainment, moral instruction, or cultural preservation.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /teɪl/
• Respelling: tayl

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /teɪl/
• Respelling: tayl

Etymology

The word "tale" originates from Old English "talu," meaning "story, tale, or number," derived from Proto-Germanic "*talō" (to count or recount). It is related to the Old Norse "tala" (speech or talk) and the German "Zahl" (number), emphasizing recounting or enumeration.

Derivatives

• Teller (noun)
• Storytale (noun, archaic)
• Taleful (adjective, rare)
• Tale-bearing (adjective)
• Fairy tale (noun)

Synonyms

• Story
• Narrative
• Legend

Antonyms

• Fact
• Reality
• Truth

Usage

The noun "tale" is commonly used to describe fictional or imaginative stories. For example, "The children were enchanted by the tale of the brave knight."

Related Terms

• Myth: A traditional story explaining natural or social phenomena.
• Fable: A short tale conveying a moral lesson, often with animal characters.
• Chronicle: A detailed and factual account of historical events.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A fictional or imaginative narrative: A story crafted for entertainment or instruction.
  • Example: "She told a thrilling tale about a lost treasure."
• An account of real events (archaic): A recounting of actual occurrences.
  • Example: "The witness gave a detailed tale of what transpired."
• A fabricated or false account: Used to describe a lie or exaggeration.
  • Example: "His story was dismissed as a mere tale."