C1noun2K

Biography

UK //baɪˈɒɡrəfi//US //baɪˈɑɡrəfi//

Definition

A written account of someone's life.

In simple words: A story about someone's life.

Examples

  • Her biography reveals many interesting facts about her childhood.
  • He wrote a biography of the famous inventor.
  • The biography was so detailed that it took me days to finish it.
  • I prefer reading a biography over a novel because I love real stories.
  • The author's biography included his motivations and struggles.

Usage notes

Use 'biography' for detailed life stories. It is more formal than 'bio' or 'life story'. Avoid in casual conversations where simplicity is preferred.

Grammar pattern

countable noun

Memory hint

Think of 'bio' as the basics of a life story.

Collocations

  • write a biography
  • read a biography
  • publish a biography

Synonyms

  • life story
  • memoir
  • profile
  • chronicle
  • narrative

Antonyms

  • fiction
  • novel

Common mistakes

  • Confusing with 'autobiography', which is written by the subject.
  • Using 'biography' to describe fictional characters.
  • Misplacing or omitting the article, e.g., saying 'read biography' instead of 'read a biography'.