Fairy tales Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈfeɪri ˈteɪlz/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A traditional story, typically featuring magical or supernatural elements, that is passed down orally from generation to generation.

Examples

• grandma told her a fairy tale about a princess and a dragon.
• Fairy tales have been a popular form of entertainment for centuries.

Synonyms

• Fable
• Legend

Antonyms

• Truth
• Reality

Etymology

The word “Fairy tales” comes from Old French “faiterie,” meaning “enchanted story,” which is derived from the Latin “fata,” meaning “fate,” and the suffix “-ery,” meaning “place” or “land.” The term “Fairy tales” has been used since the 16th century to describe these traditional stories.

Usage Notes

The term “Fairy tales” is often used to describe stories that are meant to entertain and educate children, but it can also be used more broadly to describe any imaginative and fantastical narrative.

Cultural References

Fairy tales have been featured in popular culture in films, TV shows, and literature, such as “Shrek,” “Once Upon a Time,” and “The Princess Bride.”

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

a fairy tale come true, meaning a wish that has come true

Related Words or Phrases

• Folk tale
• Myth
• Legend

Collocations

a fairy tale ending, a happy ending; fairy tale romance, a romantic relationship that seems too good to be true

Frequency of Use

The word “Fairy tales” is commonly used in everyday language, especially in conversation about storytelling, literature, and popular culture.