anecdote

Definitions

Greek an- (not) + ek- (out) + dote (give, from didonai) = 'not given out' — that is, not published. Originally anecdotes were private, unpublished stories not yet released to the public. Over time the 'secret' flavor faded, leaving today's meaning: a short, often charming true story.

Why It Means This

The word owes its existence to a real book. The Byzantine historian Procopius wrote secret, scandalous accounts of the emperor's court that were never meant for publication; when they finally surfaced, they were titled Anekdota — literally 'the things not given out.' That sense of an unpublished private tale is exactly why an anecdote still feels like an insider's little story.

Common Collocations

• 1.tell an anecdote讲一则轶事
• 2.amusing anecdote有趣的逸闻
• 3.personal anecdote亲身经历的小故事
• 4.share an anecdote分享趣闻

Example Sentences

• 1.

  He opened the lecture with a funny anecdote about his first job.

• 2.

  The book is full of charming anecdotes from her travels.

• 3.

  She told an anecdote that made the whole room laugh.