narrate

[ nar-eyt, na-reyt ]

verb (used with object)

, nar·rat·ed, nar·rat·ing.

1. to give an account or tell the story of (events, experiences, etc.).

   Synonyms: recite, detail

2. to add a spoken commentary to (a film, television program, etc.):

   The Oscar-winning actor recently produced and narrated a new documentary on climate change.

verb (used without object)

, nar·rat·ed, nar·rat·ing.

1. to relate or recount events, experiences, etc., in speech or writing.

narrate

/ nəˈreɪt /

verb

1. to tell (a story); relate
2. to speak in accompaniment of (a film, television programme, etc)

Derived Forms

• narˈratable, adjective

Other Words From

• narrat·a·ble adjective
• nar·ra·tor nar·rat·er [nar, -ey-ter, na-, rey, -, nar, -, uh, -], noun
• mis·narrate verb misnarrated misnarrating
• un·narrat·a·ble adjective
• un·narrat·ed adjective
• well-narrat·ed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of narrate¹

First recorded in 1650–60; from Latin narrātus (past participle of narrāre ”to relate, tell, say”), equivalent to nār(us) “knowing, acquainted with” (variant of gnārus; cognition ) + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of narrate¹

C17: from Latin narrāre to recount, from gnārus knowing

Synonym Study

See describe.

Example Sentences

The final volume of Barker’s “Women of Troy” trilogy is narrated not by enslaved princess Briseis but by her friend Ritsa.

From Los Angeles Times

Her narrated version of events often contradicted or glossed over what we saw on screen.

From Los Angeles Times

“The perfect architecture forgot a main ingredient of democracy,” she narrates.

From New York Times

John C. Reilly narrates in the person of a street singer.

From Los Angeles Times

He recorded a loose improvisation on his iPhone, humming along with the piano and narrating his rough concept for the director.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• chronicle
• depict
• portray
• recite
• recount
• rehearse
• unfold