Dictionary
English - Dutch

Story

ˈstɔri
Extremely common
500 - 600
500 - 600
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

verhaal, laag, nieuwsbericht, sprookje, verhaal (van iemand)

Story meanings in Dutch

verhaal

Example:
She told me a fascinating story.
Ze vertelde me een fascinerend verhaal.
The book has a beautiful love story.
Het boek heeft een prachtig liefdesverhaal.
Usage: informalContext: Used in everyday conversation, literature, or storytelling.
Note: The word 'verhaal' is commonly used for fictional and non-fictional narratives.

laag

Example:
The building has three stories.
Het gebouw heeft drie lagen.
I live on the second story of the apartment.
Ik woon op de tweede laag van het appartement.
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used in architectural or spatial contexts.
Note: In this sense, 'laag' refers to a level in a building.

nieuwsbericht

Example:
The news story was shocking.
Het nieuwsbericht was schokkend.
I read an interesting story on the website.
Ik las een interessant nieuwsbericht op de website.
Usage: formalContext: Used in journalism or media.
Note: This meaning emphasizes reporting or journalistic content.

sprookje

Example:
Once upon a time, there was a fairy tale story.
Er was eens een sprookje.
Children love listening to fairy tale stories.
Kinderen houden ervan om naar sprookjes te luisteren.
Usage: informalContext: Used in children's literature or storytelling.
Note: Specifically refers to fictional tales often featuring magical elements.

verhaal (van iemand)

Example:
Everyone has their own story to tell.
Iedereen heeft zijn eigen verhaal te vertellen.
She shared her personal story with the group.
Ze deelde haar persoonlijke verhaal met de groep.
Usage: informalContext: Used in personal conversations, sharing experiences.
Note: This usage emphasizes individual experiences and narratives.

Story's synonyms

tale

A tale is a narrative that may be true or fictional, often involving characters and events.
Example: She told a fascinating tale about her adventures in the jungle.
Note: Tale is often used in a more informal or literary context compared to 'story'.

narrative

A narrative is a story or account of events, experiences, or the like, whether true or fictitious.
Example: The book provides a gripping narrative of the protagonist's journey.
Note: Narrative tends to emphasize the structure and development of a story.

account

An account is a detailed description or report of an event or situation.
Example: He gave a detailed account of what happened at the meeting.
Note: Account often implies a factual or objective retelling of events.

fable

A fable is a short story, typically with animals as characters, conveying a moral lesson.
Example: The story of 'The Tortoise and the Hare' is a famous fable with a moral lesson.
Note: Fable specifically refers to a story with a moral or lesson embedded within it.

legend

A legend is a traditional story sometimes popularly regarded as historical but unauthenticated.
Example: The legend of King Arthur has been passed down through generations.
Note: Legend often involves mythical or heroic figures and is associated with folklore and tradition.

Story expressions, common phrases

Once upon a time

This phrase is commonly used to begin fairy tales or stories set in the past.
Example: Once upon a time, there was a young princess who lived in a faraway kingdom.
Note: It is a traditional way to introduce a story and is not directly related to the word 'story.'

A tall tale

Refers to a story that is greatly exaggerated or unbelievable.
Example: He spun a tall tale about how he caught a fish as big as a boat.
Note: It emphasizes the exaggeration or incredibility of the story rather than the actual narrative itself.

Twist in the tale

Describes an unexpected or surprising development in a story.
Example: The movie had a massive twist in the tale that left everyone shocked.
Note: It focuses on a specific surprising element within the story rather than the story as a whole.

Bedtime story

A story told to a child before they go to sleep.
Example: She read her daughter a bedtime story before tucking her into bed.
Note: It specifically refers to a story told before bedtime to help someone relax or fall asleep.

Old wives' tale

A traditional belief or superstition that is often untrue or based on superstition.
Example: Don't believe that old wives' tale about eating carrots improving your eyesight.
Note: While a 'tale' is a story, an 'old wives' tale' refers to a specific type of folklore or superstition.

Story of my life

Used humorously to express that a situation or experience is typical or expected for someone.
Example: I missed the bus again today, story of my life!
Note: It is an idiomatic expression and not directly related to narrating a story.

Sob story

A sad or pitiful story, often exaggerated or used to gain sympathy.
Example: He tried to guilt-trip me with his sob story about losing his job.
Note: It refers to a particular type of emotionally manipulative story rather than a neutral narrative.

Story everyday (slang) expressions

Plot twist

A sudden and unexpected change or development in a story that alters the overall direction or outcome.
Example: The movie had a huge plot twist that completely shocked the audience.
Note: While 'plot twist' still relates to the structure of a story, it is more specific and emphasizes a surprising revelation or turn of events.

Make up

To invent or fabricate a story, often with the intention of deceiving others.
Example: She told me a make-up story about why she was late, but I knew the truth.
Note: This term refers to creating a story that is not true, contrasting with 'story' which can be a true account.

The whole nine yards

To give all the details or the full story about something.
Example: He told me the whole nine yards about his trip to Europe, from start to finish.
Note: While 'the whole nine yards' can pertain to a story, it focuses more on providing complete information rather than just a narrative.

Drama

Exaggerated or sensational aspects of a story or situation that may involve conflicts, emotions, or excitement.
Example: I can't believe all the drama that unfolded in that story; it's like a soap opera!
Note: This term often implies that the story is filled with exaggerated emotions or actions, distinguishing it from a straightforward narrative.

Scandal

A story or event that involves shocking or immoral behavior, often with consequences or public attention.
Example: The scandal in the story rocked the community and made front-page news.
Note: Unlike a regular story, a 'scandal' involves controversy or immorality, sparking public interest or outrage.

Urban legend

A modern folklore story that is commonly believed but lacks evidence to prove its authenticity.
Example: That spooky story is just an urban legend, passed down from generation to generation.
Note: This term specifically refers to a type of story—often of mysterious or supernatural nature—that is widely circulated as true but unverified.

411

Information or details about a particular situation or story.
Example: Give me the 411 on what happened last night; I heard there's a story behind it.
Note: Rather than focusing solely on storytelling, '411' emphasizes the exchange of information or gossip related to a story.

Story - Examples

The story he told was so captivating.
Het verhaal dat hij vertelde was zo boeiend.
She loves to read stories before going to bed.
Ze houdt ervan om verhalen te lezen voordat ze naar bed gaat.
He always has an interesting story to tell.
Hij heeft altijd een interessant verhaal om te vertellen.

Story grammar

Story - Noun (Noun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)
Lemma: story
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): stories
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): story
Syllables, Separation and Stress
story Contains 2 syllables: sto • ry
Phonetic transcription: ˈstȯr-ē
sto ry , ˈstȯr ē (The red syllable is stressed)

Story - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
story: 500 - 600 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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