anecdote
Noun
Medium difficulty
What does “anecdote” mean?
noun.a short amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person.
SAT Usage
Anecdotes often appear in passages related to personal experiences, storytelling, or arguments that aim to illustrate a point. This term emphasizes a relatable, human element in narratives or discussions, distinguishing it from broader concepts like "example," which may not carry the same emotional or engaging weight.
Common Confusions
Anecdote implies a brief personal story that illustrates a point, while example usually suggests a representative case or instance without the personal narrative aspect.
Do not choose anecdote if the context emphasizes a lengthy narrative or detailed account rather than a short amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person.
Example Sentences
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She opened her speech with a funny personal anecdote.
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He shared an amusing anecdote about his first day at work.