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

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

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

Related Words

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