unreliable narrator — A narrator whose account of events cannot be trusted due to bias, limited knowledge, or deliberate deception
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: A narrator whose account of events cannot be trusted due to bias, limited knowledge, or deliberate deception
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌʌnrɪˈlaɪəbəl ˈnæreɪtər/
Example Sentences
- The novel's unreliable narrator made readers question everything they thought they knew about the murder.
- My little brother is the ultimate unreliable narrator - he claims aliens ate his homework.
- Teachers learn to spot an unreliable narrator when students explain why they're late.
unreliable narrator
NOUN[/ˌʌnrɪˈlaɪəbəl ˈnæreɪtər/]
A narrator whose account of events cannot be trusted due to bias, limited knowledge, or deliberate deception
An unreliable narrator tells contradictory stories to confused listeners
The unreliable narrator's deception and bias predict a contradicted truth — where doubt cannot be contradict
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The term emerged in literary criticism in the mid-20th century. 'Unreliable' comes from Old French 'fiable' (trustworthy), while 'narrator' derives from Latin 'narrare' (to tell or relate).
Breakdown
un- (not) + reliable (trustworthy, from Latin fiare meaning to trust) + narrator (one who narrates, from Latin narrare meaning to tell) = unreliable narrator (a narrator whose account cannot be trusted)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The novel's unreliable narrator made readers question everything they thought they knew about the murder.”
“My little brother is the ultimate unreliable narrator - he claims aliens ate his homework.”
“Teachers learn to spot an unreliable narrator when students explain why they're late.”
“Edgar Allan Poe's stories often feature unreliable narrators who may be mentally unstable.”
📚Related Words
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