chronicle
KRON-i-kuhl
ˈkrɒnɪkl
A factual written account of important or historical events in the order of their occurrence; to record events in this way.
Implies a chronological sequence without much interpretation or analysis.
The story behind the word. From the Greek 'khronika', meaning 'annals', which comes from 'khronos' (time). It is the same root found in 'chronological' and 'synchronize'.
Word relationships
- annals: Annals are records of events year by year; a chronicle is a more general chronological account.
- history: History often includes analysis and interpretation; a chronicle is primarily a list of events in order.
Commonly confused with
- narrative: A narrative is a story that may not be chronological; a chronicle must follow the order of time.
Word family
- chronicler (noun): A person who writes a chronicle.
Collocations
- chronicle events
- a detailed chronicle
- daily chronicle
Example sentences
- "The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle is one of the most important sources for early English history." Literature
- "The documentary aims to chronicle the rise and fall of the tech giant." Journalism
Memory hook
A 'chronicle' follows the 'chronometer' (clock). Time-ordered record.
When not to use
Don't use 'chronicle' for a fictional story; it implies a factual, historical intent.
Fun facts
- The 'Nuremberg Chronicle', published in 1493, was one of the first best-selling printed books in history.
Explore more words
chronology, chronological, narrative, sequence, chronic, archive
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