Folktale

Pronunciation: /ˈfoʊkˌteɪl/

Definitions of folktale

noun a traditional story or legend that has been passed down orally through generations within a particular culture

Example Sentences

A1 A folktale is a traditional story that is passed down orally from generation to generation.

A2 Children often enjoy listening to folktales before bedtime.

B1 Many cultures around the world have their own unique folktale traditions.

B2 Folktales often contain moral lessons or messages for the listeners.

C1 Scholars study folktale variations to understand cultural differences and similarities.

C2 The Brothers Grimm collected and published many famous European folktales in the 19th century.

Examples of folktale in a Sentence

formal The folktale has been passed down for generations within this community.

informal Have you heard that folktale about the magical forest?

slang That folktale is straight up legendary!

figurative The folktale serves as a moral lesson for children.

Grammatical Forms of folktale

• past tense: told
• plural: folktales
• comparative: more folktale
• superlative: most folktale
• present tense: tell
• future tense: will tell
• perfect tense: have told
• continuous tense: telling
• singular: folktale
• positive degree: folktale
• infinitive: to tell
• gerund: telling
• participle: telling

Origin and Evolution of folktale

First Known Use: 1884 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: The word 'folktale' originates from the combination of 'folk' meaning people or community, and 'tale' meaning a story or narrative.

Evolution of the word: The term 'folktale' was first used in the late 19th century to refer to traditional stories passed down orally within a community. Over time, it has come to encompass a wide range of traditional narratives, including fairy tales, myths, legends, and fables.