anecdote
word
Definition
A short, interesting or funny story about a real person or event, often told to illustrate a point.
Usage & Nuances
Usually used in semi-formal to formal contexts, like speeches or writing. Common collocation: 'tell an anecdote.' Different from 'story', as 'anecdote' is always brief and focused on one incident.
Spanish: anécdotaPortuguese (BR): anedotaPortuguese (PT): anedotaChinese (Simplified): 趣闻 - 轶事Chinese (Traditional): 趣聞 - 軼事Hindi: किस्सा - छोटी कहानीArabic: حكاية قصيرة - طرفةBengali: উপাখ্যান - ছোট গল্প (বাস্তব ঘটনা নিয়ে)Russian: анекдот - забавная история (настоящий случай)Japanese: 逸話（いつわ） - 小話（こばなし）Vietnamese: giai thoại - câu chuyện ngắn (có thật)Korean: 일화 - 짧은 이야기Turkish: anekdot - kısa hikaye (gerçek olaydan)Urdu: لطیفہ - قصہ (حقیقی واقعہ)Indonesian: anekdot - kisah pendek (kisah nyata)
Example Sentences
That awkward anecdote always makes my friends laugh.
natural
During dinner, she slipped in a clever anecdote about her boss.
natural
I love when teachers use a real-life anecdote to explain something complicated.
natural
She began her speech with a funny anecdote.
basic
He told an anecdote about his childhood.
basic
Can you share a personal anecdote?
basic