B2noun2K

Tale

UK /["/teɪl/"]/US /["/teɪl/"]/

Definition

a story created using the imagination, especially one that is full of action and adventure

In simple words: a story, often fictional

Examples

  • The old man told a fascinating tale of his adventures at sea.
  • In her book, she weaves a tale that captivates the reader's imagination.
  • The tale of the dragon and the knight has been passed down for generations.
  • She spun a tale that seemed too unbelievable to be true.
  • He claimed to have a tale about how he won the championship game.
  • The movie tells a tale of love and betrayal set in a small town.
  • The children's tale featured talking animals and magical creatures.
  • It was a classic tale of good versus evil in a fantasy setting.

Usage notes

Used for stories that are imaginative or moral. Less common in everyday conversation; might be more frequently used in literature or storytelling contexts.

Grammar pattern

tale + of + object

Memory hint

Sounds like 'tail' — think of a cat telling a story about its adventures with its tail.

Collocations

  • long
  • rambling
  • familiar
  • narrate
  • recount
  • regale somebody with
  • begin
  • unfold
  • concern somebody/​something
  • tale about
  • tale of
  • a tale of woe
  • (have) a tale to tell
  • tell tales
  • long
  • rambling
  • familiar
  • narrate
  • recount
  • regale somebody with
  • begin
  • unfold
  • concern somebody/​something
  • tale about
  • tale of
  • a tale of woe
  • (have) a tale to tell
  • tell tales

Synonyms

  • story
  • narrative
  • account
  • fable
  • parable

Antonyms

  • truth
  • reality

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'tail' (the back part of an animal).
  • Using it as a verb instead of a noun.
  • Mixing up 'tale' with 'story' and 'fable' without recognizing their nuances.