Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/baɪˈɒɡrəfi/

Definitions

1. A written account of someone's life, usually focusing on significant events, achievements, and the person's impact on society.
2. The branch of literature that deals with the lives of individuals, especially notable or famous people.

Usage Examples

• "Her biography of the famous scientist won several literary awards."
• "He is writing a biography of a revolutionary political figure."

Etymology

The word "biography" comes from the Greek words "bios," meaning "life," and "grapho," meaning "to write." The term first appeared in English in the 18th century, primarily used to describe written works about the lives of notable individuals.

Synonyms

• Life story
• Memoir
• Life account
• Autobiography (if written by the subject themselves)
• Chronicle

Antonyms

• Fiction
• Myth
• Novel
• Fantasy

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In different accents of English, "biography" may be pronounced with slight variations. In American English, the emphasis is placed on the second syllable ("-og"), while British English may place a slightly softer emphasis on the first syllable. Regional differences are also evident in non-native English speakers where some might emphasize the "o" sound in the first syllable.

Historical Usage

The term "biography" began to take on significant meaning during the 18th century, with writers such as James Boswell, whose biography of Samuel Johnson is considered one of the most important in English literature. Over time, biographies became a central genre in literature, with their focus shifting between personal experiences, historical contexts, and public achievements. Biographies of prominent figures became highly popular, particularly during the Enlightenment period.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, writing a biography is a way of honoring someone who has made significant contributions to society, such as political leaders, scientists, and artists. In Western traditions, biographies often emphasize individual achievement, while in some Eastern cultures, collective contributions and societal context are emphasized. The portrayal of historical figures in biographies can vary based on the cultural lens through which they are viewed, including the aspects of their lives that are highlighted or downplayed.

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