narrate

[nar-eyt, na-reyt]

verb (used with object)

narrated, narrating 

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)

narrated, narrating 

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)

Other Word Forms

• narratable adjective
• narrator noun
• narrater noun
• misnarrate verb
• unnarratable adjective
• unnarrated adjective
• well-narrated 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 premiered it at the Hollywood Bowl in September, and Bryant surprised the audience by joining John onstage to narrate.

From Los Angeles Times

He narrated five alleged incidents where he gave specifics, and said there were many others.

From BBC

Charles narrates the film in a calm voice tinged with the comforting fuzz of an old recording.

From Los Angeles Times

“I made a vow to God,” he says, narrating, “no matter the disapproval or dissent, deviant, ritual murders would not go unpublished on my watch.”

From Los Angeles Times

Actress Celia Imrie narrated the story of the war in the Far East at the service, as the experiences of those who took part in it were told in person and on screen.

From BBC

Related Words

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