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

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

Adults may consider narrating their self-soothing techniques, such as saying, "I'm feeling frustrated, so I'm going to take a deep breath."

From Science Daily

Earlier this year, actor Matthew McConaughey narrated “Deep in the Heart,” a documentary about wildlife in his native Texas.

From Los Angeles Times

Later, she refreshes familiar material from the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, narrating how in a fit of panic over her food supply, she “picked 40 lemons off of a lemon tree.”

From Los Angeles Times

The Los Angeles Master Chorale was one of the many commissioning organizations, and Jane Fonda will narrate at the U.S. premiere next May.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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