an account in biographical form of an organization, society, theater, animal, etc.
such writings collectively.
the writing of biography as an occupation or field of endeavor.
/ baɪˈɒɡrəfɪ; ˌbaɪəˈɡræfɪkəl /
an account of a person's life by another
such accounts collectively
The story of someone's life. The Life of Samuel Johnson , by James Boswell , and Abraham Lincoln , by Carl Sandburg , are two noted biographies. The story of the writer's own life is an autobiography .
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Derived forms.
biˈographer , noun
biographical , adjective
ˌbioˈgraphically , adverb
Word History and Origins
Origin of biography 1
Example Sentences
Barrett didn’t say anything on Tuesday to contradict our understanding of her ideological leanings based on her past rulings, past statements and biography.
Republicans, meanwhile, focused mostly on her biography — including her role as a working mother of seven and her Catholic faith — and her credentials, while offering few specifics about her record as a law professor and judge.
She delivered an inspiring biography at one point, reflecting on the sacrifice her mother made to emigrate to the United States.
As Walter Isaacson pointed out in his biography of Benjamin Franklin, Franklin proposed the postal system as a vital network to bond together the 13 disparate colonies.
Serving that end, the book is not an in-depth biography as much as a summary of Galileo’s life and science, plus a thorough recounting of the events leading up to his famous trial.
The Amazon biography for an author named Papa Faal mentions both Gambia and lists a military record that matches the FBI report.
For those unfamiliar with Michals, an annotated biography and useful essays are included.
Did you envision your Pryor biography as extending your previous investigation—aesthetically and historically?
But Stephen Kotkin's new biography reveals a learned despot who acted cunningly to take advantage of the times.
Watching novelists insult one another is one of the primary pleasures of his biography.
He also published two volumes of American Biography, a work which his death abridged.
Mme. de Chaulieu gave her husband the three children designated in the duc's biography.
The biography of great men always has been, and always will be read with interest and profit.
I like biography far better than fiction myself: fiction is too free.
The Bookman: "A more entertaining narrative whether in biography or fiction has not appeared in recent years."
Related Words
autobiography
Look up a word, learn it forever.
/baɪˈɑgrəfi/, /baɪˈɒgrəfi/.
Other forms: biographies
A biography is an account of somebody's life written by somebody else, complete with details of the most important parts.
These days, anyone, of any age, can be the subject of a biography: Justin Bieber, at the tender age of 17, had one written about his life. A biography is not to be confused with an autobiography, an account of someone's life written by the subject himself. You'll find biographies in printed form (remember books?), but also increasingly in the form of e-books, TV dramatizations, and cinematic "bio-docs."
noun an account of the series of events making up a person's life synonyms: life , life history , life story see more see less examples: Parallel Lives a collection of biographies of famous pairs of Greeks and Romans written by Plutarch; used by Shakespeare in writing some of his plays types: show 4 types... hide 4 types... autobiography a biography of yourself hagiography a biography that idealizes or idolizes the person (especially a person who is a saint) profile biographical sketch memoir an account of the author's personal experiences type of: account , chronicle , history , story a record or narrative description of past events
Vocabulary lists containing biography
Are you ready to learn the facts of life? Then review these words from the Greek root bio , meaning "life" or "way of living."
Practice this vocabulary list and explore words that contain the Greek roots graph ("write/writing") and gram ("written thing").
To improve your fluency in English Language Arts and Reading (ELAR), learn this academic vocabulary list that includes words selected from the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) state standards.
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Definition of biography noun from the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary
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Find out which words work together and produce more natural-sounding English with the Oxford Collocations Dictionary app. Try it for free as part of the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary app.
- a biography of yourself
- a biography that idealizes or idolizes the person (especially a person who is a saint)
- biographical sketch
Bandaranaike
Beauharnais
biographical
biogenetic law
biogenetics
biogenic amine
biogeochemical
biogeochemistry
biogeographer
biogeographic
biogeographical
biogeographical region
biogeography
biographical intelligence
biographize
biohazard suit
biohazardous
bioidentical
bioindustry
bioinformatics
bioinorganic
bioinstrumentation
bioleaching
biolinguistics
biologic attack
biological agent
biological ammunition
biological attack
biological clock
biological computing
biological control
biological defence
Biographical dictionary
Biographical Dictionary of Chinese Christianity
Biographical Directory of the American Congress
Biographical Encyclopedia of Science Fiction Film
Biographical Etymology of Marine Organism Names
Biographical Evaluation and Screening of Troops
Biographical film
Biographical Inventory
Biographical Memoirs of Fellows of the Royal Society
Biographical Method
Biographical Questionnaire
biographically
biographicly
biographies
Biographies of Living Persons
Biographisch-Bibliographisches Kirchenlexikon
biographise
Biographize
Biography and Autobiography
Biography and Genealogy Master Index
Biography of living persons
Biography of Mahatma Gandhi
Biography of Nikola Tesla
Biohackerdom
BioHazard (robot)
Biohazard Assessment Research Branch
Biohazard Detection System
Biohazard Level
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noun as in account of person's life
Strongest matches
autobiography
Strong matches
confessions
experiences
Weak matches
life history
personal account
personal anecdote
personal narrative
personal record
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Example sentences.
Barrett didn’t say anything on Tuesday to contradict our understanding of her ideological leanings based on her past rulings, past statements and biography.
Republicans, meanwhile, focused mostly on her biography — including her role as a working mother of seven and her Catholic faith — and her credentials, while offering few specifics about her record as a law professor and judge.
She delivered an inspiring biography at one point, reflecting on the sacrifice her mother made to emigrate to the United States.
As Walter Isaacson pointed out in his biography of Benjamin Franklin, Franklin proposed the postal system as a vital network to bond together the 13 disparate colonies.
Serving that end, the book is not an in-depth biography as much as a summary of Galileo’s life and science, plus a thorough recounting of the events leading up to his famous trial.
The Amazon biography for an author named Papa Faal mentions both Gambia and lists a military record that matches the FBI report.
For those unfamiliar with Michals, an annotated biography and useful essays are included.
Did you envision your Pryor biography as extending your previous investigation—aesthetically and historically?
But Stephen Kotkin's new biography reveals a learned despot who acted cunningly to take advantage of the times.
Watching novelists insult one another is one of the primary pleasures of his biography.
He also published two volumes of American Biography, a work which his death abridged.
Mme. de Chaulieu gave her husband the three children designated in the duc's biography.
The biography of great men always has been, and always will be read with interest and profit.
I like biography far better than fiction myself: fiction is too free.
The Bookman: "A more entertaining narrative whether in biography or fiction has not appeared in recent years."
Related Words
Words related to biography are not direct synonyms, but are associated with the word biography . Browse related words to learn more about word associations.
noun as in written account of one's own life
personal history
reminiscences
self-portrayal
noun as in chronicle of events
recapitulation
noun as in the story of one's life
curriculum vitae
noun as in written matter, both fictional and nonfictional
belles-lettres
composition
disquisition
dissertation
information
literary works
observation
written work
noun as in record of experiences
recollection
reminiscence
transactions
Viewing 5 / 10 related words
On this page you'll find 34 synonyms, antonyms, and words related to biography, such as: autobiography, diary, journal, life, life story, and memoir.
Nglish: Translation of biography for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of biography for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about biography
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Definition of Biography
Common examples of biographical subjects.
As a literary device, biography is important because it allows readers to learn about someone’s story and history. This can be enlightening, inspiring, and meaningful in creating connections. Here are some common examples of biographical subjects:
Famous Examples of Biographical Works
Difference between biography, autobiography, and memoir, examples of biography in literature, example 1: savage beauty: the life of edna st. vincent millay (nancy milford).
One of the first things Vincent explained to Norma was that there was a certain freedom of language in the Village that mustn’t shock her. It wasn’t vulgar. ‘So we sat darning socks on Waverly Place and practiced the use of profanity as we stitched. Needle in, . Needle out, piss. Needle in, . Needle out, c. Until we were easy with the words.’
This passage reflects the way in which Milford is able to characterize St. Vincent Millay as a person interacting with her sister. Even avid readers of a writer’s work are often unaware of the artist’s private and personal natures, separate from their literature and art. Milford reflects the balance required on the part of a literary biographer of telling the writer’s life story without undermining or interfering with the meaning and understanding of the literature produced by the writer. Though biographical information can provide some influence and context for a writer’s literary subjects, style, and choices , there is a distinction between the fictional world created by a writer and the writer’s “real” world. However, a literary biographer can illuminate the writer’s story so that the reader of both the biography and the biographical subject’s literature finds greater meaning and significance.
Example 2: The Invisible Woman: The Story of Nelly Ternan and Charles Dickens (Claire Tomalin)
The season of domestic goodwill and festivity must have posed a problem to all good Victorian family men with more than one family to take care of, particularly when there were two lots of children to receive the demonstrations of paternal love.
Example 3: Virginia Woolf (Hermione Lee)
‘A self that goes on changing is a self that goes on living’: so too with the biography of that self. And just as lives don’t stay still, so life-writing can’t be fixed and finalised. Our ideas are shifting about what can be said, our knowledge of human character is changing. The biographer has to pioneer, going ‘ahead of the rest of us, like the miner’s canary, testing the atmosphere , detecting falsity, unreality, and the presence of obsolete conventions’. So, ‘There are some stories which have to be retold by each generation’. She is talking about the story of Shelley, but she could be talking about her own life-story.
In this passage, Lee is able to demonstrate what her biographical subject, Virginia Woolf, felt about biography and a person telling their own or another person’s story. Literary biographies of well-known writers can be especially difficult to navigate in that both the author and biographical subject are writers, but completely separate and different people. As referenced in this passage by Lee, Woolf was aware of the subtleties and fluidity present in a person’s life which can be difficult to judiciously and effectively relay to a reader on the part of a biographer. In addition, Woolf offers insight into the fact that biographers must make choices in terms of what information is presented to the reader and the context in which it is offered, making them a “miner’s canary” as to how history will view and remember the biographical subject.
doing the work involved in a job, in real working conditions, rather than planning or talking about it
Fakes and forgeries (Things that are not what they seem to be)
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What Is a Biography? Definition & 25+ Examples
Have you ever wondered what lies beneath the surface of history’s most influential figures?
Imagine a chance to delve into the intricate tapestry of their lives, unraveling the threads that have woven together the very essence of their character, and unearthing the pivotal moments that shaped their destinies.
Welcome to the enthralling world of biographies, where you are invited to embark on a captivating journey into the lives of the extraordinary. Prepare to be captivated by the compelling tales of human resilience, ingenuity, and ambition that lie at the heart of each biography.
Table of Contents
Defining Biography
A biography is a detailed account of a person’s life, written by someone other than the subject. The term “biography” is derived from two Greek words: “bio,” which means life, and “graphy,” which signifies writing. Thus, a biography is the written history of someone’s life, offering an in-depth look at their experiences, achievements, and challenges.
Biographies typically focus on the life of notable individuals, such as historical figures or celebrities, and provide a comprehensive view of their personal and professional journey.
Biographers, the authors of these works, aim to offer an accurate, well-researched portrayal of their subjects by studying various sources and conducting interviews if possible. This thorough research and attention to detail ensure that the resulting narrative is both informative and engaging.
Biographies are a subgenre of non-fiction literature, as they chronicle the lives of real people. However, not all life stories fall under the category of biography.
Autobiographies and memoirs, for instance, focus on the author’s own experiences and are written from a first-person perspective. While autobiographies aim to present an overarching narrative of the author’s life, memoirs tend to focus on specific incidents or periods.
When crafting a biography, it is essential for the biographer to maintain a neutral tone, avoiding any judgment or personal bias. This objectivity allows readers to form their opinions based on the presented facts, gaining a broader understanding of the subject.
Elements of a Biography
A well-crafted biography contains several key elements that provide a comprehensive picture of the subject’s life. These elements help readers gain a deeper understanding of the subject while fostering an emotional connection. Below are some essential aspects of a biography:
Personal and Family Background
The personal and family background section of a biography provides an essential foundation for understanding the subject’s journey and the factors that shaped their life. By exploring the subject’s early years, readers gain insight into the environment and experiences that influenced their character, values, and aspirations.
This section typically begins with an overview of the subject’s birthplace, family origins, and cultural heritage. It delves into the family dynamics, including descriptions of the subject’s parents, siblings, and extended family, shedding light on the relationships that played a crucial role in their development.
The personal and family background section also addresses significant life events, challenges, and milestones that occurred during the subject’s upbringing. These formative experiences may include pivotal moments, such as moving to a new city, attending a particular school, or encountering a mentor who had a lasting impact on their life.
Education and Career
The education and career section of a biography is crucial for understanding the intellectual and professional development of the subject. By tracing the subject’s academic journey and career progression, readers gain a clearer picture of the knowledge, skills, and experiences that shaped their path and contributed to their success.
This section begins by outlining the subject’s educational background, including the schools they attended, the degrees or qualifications they obtained, and any specialized training they received. It also highlights the subject’s academic achievements, such as scholarships, awards, or distinctions, and any influential mentors or teachers who played a significant role in their intellectual growth.
The education and career section also delves into the subject’s professional life, chronicling their work history, job titles, and key responsibilities. It explores the subject’s career trajectory, examining how they transitioned between roles or industries and the factors that influenced their choices.
Major Events and Turning Points
The major events and turning points section of a biography delves into the pivotal moments and experiences that significantly influenced the subject’s life, shaping their character, values, and destiny.
By exploring these transformative events, readers gain a deeper understanding of the forces and circumstances that drove the subject’s actions and choices, as well as the challenges and triumphs they faced along the way.
This section encompasses a wide range of events, which could include personal milestones, such as marriage, the birth of children, or the loss of a loved one.
These personal events often provide insights into the subject’s emotional landscape and reveal the support systems, relationships, and personal values that sustained them through difficult times or propelled them to greater heights.
Influences and Inspirations
The influences and inspirations section of a biography delves into the individuals, ideas, and events that had a profound impact on the subject’s beliefs, values, and aspirations.
By understanding the forces that shaped the subject’s worldview, readers gain a deeper appreciation for the motivations driving their actions and decisions, as well as the creative and intellectual foundations upon which their accomplishments were built.
This section often begins by identifying the key figures who played a significant role in the subject’s life, such as family members, mentors, peers, or historical figures they admired.
It explores the nature of these relationships and how they shaped the subject’s perspectives, values, and ambitions. These influential individuals can provide valuable insights into the subject’s personal growth and development, revealing the sources of inspiration and guidance that fueled their journey.
The influences and inspirations section also delves into the ideas and philosophies that resonated with the subject and shaped their worldview. This could include an exploration of the subject’s religious, political, or philosophical beliefs, as well as the books, theories, or artistic movements that inspired them.
This section examines the events, both personal and historical, that impacted the subject’s life and inspired their actions. These could include moments of personal transformation, such as a life-altering experience or an epiphany, or broader societal events, such as wars, social movements, or technological innovations.
Contributions and Impact
The contributions and impact section of a biography is pivotal in conveying the subject’s lasting significance, both in their chosen profession and beyond. By detailing their achievements, innovations, and legacies, this section helps readers grasp the extent of the subject’s influence and the ways in which their work has shaped the world around them.
This section begins by highlighting the subject’s key accomplishments within their profession, such as breakthroughs, discoveries, or innovative techniques they developed. It delves into the processes and challenges they faced along the way, providing valuable insights into their creativity, determination, and problem-solving abilities.
The contributions and impact section also explores the subject’s broader influence on society, culture, or the world at large. This could include their involvement in social or political movements, their philanthropic endeavors, or their role as a cultural icon.
In addition to discussing the subject’s immediate impact, this section also considers their lasting legacy, exploring how their work has continued to inspire and shape subsequent generations.
This could involve examining the subject’s influence on their successors, the institutions or organizations they helped establish, or the enduring relevance of their ideas and achievements in contemporary society.
Personal Traits and Characteristics
The personal traits and characteristics section of a biography brings the subject to life, offering readers an intimate glimpse into their personality, qualities, and views.
This section often begins by outlining the subject’s defining personality traits, such as their temperament, values, and passions. By exploring these attributes, readers gain insight into the subject’s character and the motivations driving their actions and decisions.
These qualities could include their perseverance, curiosity, empathy, or sense of humor, which may help explain their achievements, relationships, and outlook on life.
The personal traits and characteristics section also delves into the subject’s views and beliefs, offering a window into their thoughts and opinions on various topics. This could include their perspectives on politics, religion, culture, or social issues, providing readers with a clearer understanding of the context in which they operated and the factors that shaped their worldview.
Anecdotes and personal stories play a crucial role in illustrating the subject’s personality and characteristics, as they offer concrete examples of their behavior, actions, or interactions with others.
Quotes and first-hand accounts from the subject or those who knew them well can also be invaluable in portraying their personal traits and characteristics. These accounts offer unique insights into the subject’s thoughts, feelings, and experiences, allowing readers to see the world through their eyes and better understand their character.
Types of Biographies
Biographies come in various forms and styles, each presenting unique perspectives on the lives of individuals. Some of the most common types of biographies are discussed in the following sub-sections.
Historical Fiction Biography
Historical fiction biographies artfully weave together factual information with imaginative elements, creating a vibrant tapestry of the past. By staying true to the core of a historical figure’s life and accomplishments, these works offer a unique window into their world while granting authors the creative freedom to delve deeper into their emotions, relationships, and personal struggles.
Such biographies strike a delicate balance, ensuring that the essence of the individual remains intact while allowing for fictional embellishments to bring their story to life. This captivating blend of fact and fiction serves to humanize these iconic figures, making their experiences more relatable and engaging for readers who embark on a journey through the pages of history.
Here are several examples of notable historical fiction biographies:
“Wolf Hall” by Hilary Mantel (2009)
“The Paris Wife” by Paula McLain (2011)
“Girl with a Pearl Earring” by Tracy Chevalier (1999)
“The Other Boleyn Girl” by Philippa Gregory (2001)
“Loving Frank” by Nancy Horan (2007)
Academic Biography
Academic biographies stand as meticulously researched and carefully crafted scholarly works, dedicated to presenting an accurate and comprehensive account of a subject’s life.
Authored by experts or researchers well-versed in their field, these biographies adhere to rigorous standards of accuracy, sourcing, and objectivity. They delve into the intricacies of a person’s life, achievements, and impact, scrutinizing every aspect with scholarly precision.
Intended for an educated audience, academic biographies serve as valuable resources for those seeking a deeper understanding of the subject’s contributions and influence. By placing the individual within the broader context of their time, these works illuminate the complex web of factors that shaped their lives and legacies.
While academic biographies may not always carry the same narrative flair as their fictional counterparts, their commitment to factual integrity and thorough analysis make them indispensable resources for scholars, students, and enthusiasts alike
Here are several examples of notable academic biographies:
“Einstein: His Life and Universe” by Walter Isaacson (2007)
“Steve Jobs” by Walter Isaacson (2011)
“John Adams” by David McCullough (2001)
“Alexander the Great” by Robin Lane Fox (1973)
“Marie Curie: A Life” by Susan Quinn (1995)
Authorized Biographies
Authorized biographies offer a unique perspective on the lives of their subjects, as they are written with the explicit consent and, often, active participation of the individual in question.
This collaboration between the biographer and the subject can lead to a more accurate, detailed, and intimate portrayal of the person’s life, as the author is granted access to a wealth of personal information, documents, and anecdotes that might otherwise be inaccessible.
When working on an authorized biography, the biographer is typically given permission to access personal documents, such as letters, diaries, and photographs, which can provide invaluable insights into the subject’s thoughts, emotions, and experiences.
This primary source material allows the biographer to construct a narrative that is grounded in fact and captures the essence of the individual’s life and personality.
Here are several examples of notable authorized biographies:
“Mandela: The Authorized Biography” by Anthony Sampson (1999)
“Marilyn Monroe: The Biography” by Donald Spoto (1993)
“Joni Mitchell: In Her Own Words” by Malka Marom (2014)
“The Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life” by Alice Schroeder (2008)
“Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg” by Irin Carmon and Shana Knizhnik (2015)
Fictionalized Academic Biography
Fictionalized academic biographies merge the best of both worlds, combining the rigorous research and scholarly integrity of academic biographies with the engaging storytelling of historical fiction.
Authors of these works expertly navigate the delicate balance between maintaining factual accuracy and venturing into the realm of imagination.
This approach allows them to explore the subject’s personal life, relationships, and the broader historical context in a compelling manner, while ensuring the narrative remains firmly rooted in well-researched facts.
Here are several examples of notable fictionalized academic biographies:
“The Women” by T.C. Boyle (2009)
“Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald” by Therese Anne Fowler (2013)
“The Marriage of Opposites” by Alice Hoffman (2015)
“Vanessa and Her Sister” by Priya Parmar (2014)
“The Last Days of Night” by Graham Moore (2016)
Prophetic Biography
Prophetic biographies delve into the rich and profound narratives of religious figures or prophets, meticulously weaving together insights from sacred texts, religious traditions, and historical accounts.
By providing a comprehensive portrayal of the individual’s life, teachings, and impact on society, these biographies serve as an invaluable resource for understanding the pivotal role these figures played in shaping the course of religious history and the lives of the faithful.
Here are several examples of notable prophetic biographies:
“Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources” by Martin Lings (1983)
“The Life of Moses” by F.B. Meyer (1893)
“The Life of the Buddha: According to the Pali Canon” by Bhikkhu Ñāṇamoli (1972)
“The Quest of the Historical Jesus” by Albert Schweitzer (1906)
“The Lives of the Saints” by Alban Butler (1756)
Biography Development Process
A biography is a comprehensive written account of an individual’s life, and the development process involves several essential components to ensure the biography’s accuracy and readability.
A biographer’s primary responsibility is to conduct extensive research in order to gather a comprehensive array of facts about the subject. This meticulous process involves reviewing various documents and sources that shed light on the individual’s life and experiences, as well as the historical context in which they lived.
Key documents, such as birth and death certificates, provide essential information about the subject’s origins and family background. Personal correspondence, letters, and diaries offer invaluable insights into the subject’s thoughts, emotions, relationships, and experiences. News articles, on the other hand, can reveal public perceptions of the subject, as well as their impact on society and culture.
Archives often serve as treasure troves of information for biographers, as they contain a wealth of primary sources that can help illuminate the subject’s life and times. These archives may include collections of personal papers, photographs, audio recordings, and other materials that offer first-hand accounts of the individual’s experiences or shed light on their accomplishments and impact.
Consulting relevant books and articles is another crucial aspect of a biographer’s research process, as these secondary sources provide context, analysis, and interpretation of the subject’s life and work.
By delving into the existing scholarship and engaging with the works of other researchers, biographers can solidify their understanding of the individual and the historical circumstances in which they lived.
Interviewing people who knew the subject personally is a vital component of a biographer’s research process, as it allows them to access unique insights, personal stories, and firsthand accounts of the individual’s life.
Friends, family members, co-workers, and colleagues can all offer valuable perspectives on the subject’s character, relationships, achievements, and challenges, thereby enriching the biographer’s understanding of their life and experiences.
While subjective anecdotes offer a more intimate glimpse into the subject’s personality and personal life, it is essential for biographers to balance these accounts with factual research.
By corroborating and contextualizing personal stories with objective information gleaned from primary and secondary sources, biographers can ensure that their portrayal of the individual’s life remains accurate and well-rounded.
This process of balancing subjective anecdotes with factual research also allows biographers to present a more nuanced and comprehensive view of their subject. By weaving together personal stories with historical context, biographers can create a richer and more engaging narrative that captures the complexity and multifaceted nature of the individual’s life.
In addition, by considering various perspectives and sources of information, biographers can address potential biases or discrepancies in their account, resulting in a more reliable and credible portrayal of the subject.
This careful attention to detail and commitment to accuracy not only enhances the quality of the biography but also helps establish trust between the biographer and their readers.
Chronological Narration
Organizing a biography in a chronological manner is a highly effective approach, as it allows readers to follow the subject’s life events in a logical and coherent sequence.
By presenting the information in a linear fashion, the biographer enables readers to trace the subject’s journey from their early years to their later accomplishments, making it easier to understand the context and progression of their life.
To effectively arrange a chronological narrative, the biographer should begin by highlighting significant milestones and accomplishments in the subject’s life. These key events serve as anchor points in the story, helping to structure the narrative and maintain the reader’s interest.
By focusing on these pivotal moments, the biographer can illustrate the subject’s growth, development, and achievements over time, providing a clear and engaging overview of their life’s trajectory.
Contextualization
Contextualizing the subject within their historical and cultural framework is a crucial aspect of biographical writing, as it enables readers to gain a deeper understanding of the individual’s life, choices, and significance.
Embedding the subject within their historical context involves examining the political, social, and economic landscape of the time. This includes exploring major events, trends, and issues that affected the subject’s life and decisions, such as wars, social movements, technological advancements, or cultural shifts.
Additionally, considering the subject’s cultural context is essential for understanding their beliefs, values, and creative expression. This involves examining the artistic, intellectual, and philosophical currents of the time, which may have influenced the subject’s work, ideas, or relationships.
Moreover, contextualizing the subject within their historical and cultural framework can help to humanize them, revealing the complexities, contradictions, and struggles that are often inherent in the human experience.
This approach offers readers a more nuanced and empathetic understanding of the subject, allowing them to see the person as a product of their time and circumstances, rather than as an isolated figure.
Famous Biographies and Biographers
The life of samuel johnson, ll.d. by james boswell (1791).
“The Life of Samuel Johnson, LL.D.” is a biography of the English writer and literary critic Samuel Johnson, written by his friend and contemporary James Boswell. Published in 1791, it is often considered one of the greatest biographies in the English language and a pioneering work in the development of modern biography as a literary genre.
Samuel Johnson (1709-1784) was a prominent figure in 18th-century English literature, known for his wide-ranging knowledge, wit, and moral authority. He is best remembered for his dictionary, “A Dictionary of the English Language,” published in 1755, which became the standard English dictionary for over a century. He was also a prolific essayist, poet, and critic.
James Boswell (1740-1795) was a Scottish lawyer, diarist, and author who became friends with Johnson in 1763. Over the course of their friendship, Boswell made detailed notes of their conversations and observations, which he later used as the basis for his biography.
“The Life of Samuel Johnson, LL.D.” is a comprehensive and vivid portrait of Johnson’s life, character, and work. Boswell covers Johnson’s early years, education, and struggles with poverty and illness, as well as his rise to prominence as a writer and his involvement in the vibrant literary circles of 18th-century London.
The biography also delves into Johnson’s friendships and relationships, including his long association with Hester Thrale, a prominent society hostess, and writer.
What sets Boswell’s biography apart is his skill in capturing Johnson’s personality, wit, and conversation. By presenting Johnson’s thoughts and opinions on a wide range of topics, as well as anecdotes and reminiscences from those who knew him, Boswell creates a vivid and engaging portrait of his subject.
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks (2010)
“The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” is a non-fiction book written by Rebecca Skloot, published in 2010. The book tells the story of Henrietta Lacks, an African American woman whose cancer cells were taken without her knowledge or consent during a biopsy in 1951. These cells, known as HeLa cells, became the first immortal human cell line, reproducing indefinitely under laboratory conditions.
HeLa cells have been used extensively in medical research, contributing to significant scientific breakthroughs, such as the development of the polio vaccine, gene mapping, and cancer research.
Henrietta Lacks was a young mother of five when she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cervical cancer at the age of 31. She received treatment at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, where a sample of her cancerous tissue was taken without her knowledge. Henrietta passed away in 1951, but her cells continued to live on, revolutionizing medical research.
Rebecca Skloot spent more than a decade researching Henrietta Lacks’ life and the scientific history of HeLa cells. Skloot also interviewed Lacks’ surviving family members, who were unaware of Henrietta’s contribution to science until the 1970s.
The book explores the ethical issues surrounding the use of human tissue in research, the question of consent, and the lack of compensation for the Lacks family.
Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow (2004)
“Alexander Hamilton” is a comprehensive biography of the American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, written by historian and biographer Ron Chernow. Published in 2004, the book provides an in-depth look into Hamilton’s life, from his humble beginnings in the West Indies to his significant contributions as a statesman, economist, and influential figure in early American history.
Chernow’s biography delves into Hamilton’s early life as an orphan in the Caribbean, his immigration to the American colonies, and his education. It also explores his involvement in the American Revolutionary War, where he served as an aide to General George Washington and later as an artillery officer.
The book details Hamilton’s role in the development of the United States Constitution and his work as the first Secretary of the Treasury under President Washington, where he was instrumental in establishing the nation’s financial system.
“Alexander Hamilton” also examines Hamilton’s personal life, including his relationships, marriage, and infamous extramarital affair, as well as his longstanding political rivalries with figures such as Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and Aaron Burr. The biography concludes with the story of Hamilton’s tragic death in a duel with Burr in 1804.
It received critical acclaim and won several awards, including the George Washington Book Prize. The biography also inspired Lin-Manuel Miranda to create the hit Broadway musical “Hamilton,” which premiered in 2015 and went on to achieve widespread popularity and numerous accolades, further solidifying Alexander Hamilton’s place in popular culture and history.
Notable Biographies in Different Fields
Science and technology.
Biographies in the field of science and technology offer fascinating insights into the lives and minds of extraordinary individuals who have made significant advancements in their respective fields.
These biographies often provide an in-depth look at the personal and professional lives of scientists, inventors, engineers, and other innovators, highlighting their discoveries, inventions, and contributions to human knowledge and progress.
Arts and Literature
Biographies of artists, actors, and writers often provide captivating and inspiring accounts of the lives of these creative individuals. By examining their personal and professional journeys, these biographies allow readers to gain a deeper understanding of the inspirations, motivations, and challenges that have shaped their subjects’ artistic achievements.
These biographies often delve into the early lives of their subjects, exploring formative experiences that may have influenced their creative paths. They also examine the artistic processes and the development of the subjects’ distinctive styles, providing valuable insights into their creative methodologies, influences, and inspirations.
Sports and Athletics
Biographies of athletes provide riveting accounts of the lives and careers of remarkable individuals who have achieved greatness in the world of sports. These stories often serve as powerful sources of inspiration, showcasing the dedication, perseverance, and triumphs of athletes who have overcome obstacles and pushed the boundaries of human potential.
These biographies delve into the formative experiences of their subjects, exploring how early influences, innate talent, and personal motivations led them to pursue athletic excellence. They also provide insights into the rigorous training regimens, discipline, and sacrifices that athletes make to achieve their goals, highlighting the incredible determination and work ethic that underpin their success.
Additionally, biographies of athletes often touch on the personal challenges and setbacks these individuals have faced, such as injuries, controversies, or personal struggles.
Historical Figures
Biographies of historical figures offer a unique window into the lives, personalities, and experiences of individuals who have left lasting impacts on the world. By delving into the stories of these influential people, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the political, social, and cultural contexts that shaped their actions and decisions, as well as the lasting legacies they left behind.
These biographies often provide richly detailed accounts of their subjects’ lives, including their upbringing, education, relationships, and personal struggles. By exploring the complex facets of these individuals, biographies help to humanize historical figures, providing a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of their motivations, beliefs, and actions.
In addition to personal narratives, biographies of historical figures often weave together broader historical contexts and events. This allows readers to gain valuable insights into the social, political, and cultural forces that influenced their subjects’ lives and decisions.
Writing a Compelling Biography
A captivating biography requires more than just a simple retelling of a person’s life events. It delves into their personal experiences, relationships, and accomplishments, while maintaining an objective and authentic approach.
Being Objective and Authentic
An essential aspect of a well-written biography is its objectivity. The narrative should portray the real person, depicting their experiences and beliefs accurately.
While it can be tempting to embellish facts or minimize flaws, striving for authenticity is crucial in presenting a credible account. This involves thorough research and verification of facts, even when they contradict the author’s initial assumptions.
Authenticity also extends to the respectful portrayal of a subject’s relationships and exploration of their inner world, while avoiding speculation or gossip.
Balancing Personal and Public Life
When writing a biography, one must strike a balance between the subject’s personal and public life. This includes weaving together stories from their childhood, personal relationships, and major life events that may have shaped their character. The integration of both personal and public aspects contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of their vita.
However, careful consideration must be given to privacy concerns, and it is important to determine which aspects of the individual’s life are appropriate to disclose. Ultimately, the reader should gain insight into the person’s journey without feeling intrusive.
Creating Engaging Storylines
Just as in a novel, a great biography should feature engaging storylines that keep readers interested. This can be achieved by organizing the narrative around important events, challenges, and accomplishments that are relevant and compelling. To maintain a smooth flow, strategically transitioning between these key moments helps maintain reader interest.
The use of different perspectives, anecdotes, and historical context can also enhance the storyline. Paint vivid pictures of the settings, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the subject’s world. Furthermore, showcasing the subject’s resilience, growth, and impact, can contribute to a powerful and memorable biography.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can biographies be fictional or purely factual.
Biographies usually aim to present an accurate and factual representation of someone’s life. However, some authors might take creative liberties and incorporate fictionalized elements for dramatic or storytelling purposes.
It is crucial for readers to be aware of the author’s intentions and approach when reading such biographical works.
Can biographies be biased?
Biographies, like any form of writing, can be subject to biases depending on the author’s perspective, beliefs, or intentions.
It is essential for readers to critically evaluate biographies by considering factors such as the author’s credentials, potential biases, and the sources used in the research process.
By comparing multiple biographies on the same subject or cross-referencing with other sources, readers can develop a more comprehensive and balanced understanding of the individual’s life and achievements.
Are biographies always based on famous or historical figures?
While biographies often focus on famous or historical figures, they can also be written about lesser-known individuals with compelling stories or unique experiences.
These “everyday” biographies can provide valuable insights into the lives of ordinary people and the challenges they face, offering a broader understanding of the human experience and fostering empathy and connection among readers.
Are there any ethical considerations when writing a biography?
Yes, ethical considerations play a significant role in writing biographies.
Biographers must respect the privacy and dignity of their subjects, particularly when dealing with sensitive or personal information. They should also strive for accuracy and fairness, avoiding sensationalism or misrepresentation of facts.
Additionally, biographers should acknowledge and address any potential biases or conflicts of interest that may affect their portrayal of the subject.
Biographies offer us unparalleled access to the lives and legacies of remarkable individuals, spanning diverse genres and approaches.
From historical fiction to academic rigor, prophetic accounts to fictionalized narratives, biographies captivate our imagination and enrich our understanding of the human experience. These literary gems remind us that behind every great achievement lies a story of struggle, triumph, and unwavering determination.
So, let us continue to explore these remarkable journeys, as we delve deeper into the pages of history and the hearts of those who have shaped our world.
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biography (noun)
a new biography of Abraham Lincoln
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Lincoln's biographers [=people who wrote biographies of Lincoln]
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The biography of a word.
This talk was presented by Jessie Fry , OED Associate Editor, Oxford Languages, to Professor Paige Gray’s class of Liberal Arts and Writing at the Savannah College of Art and Design , and covered:
the anatomy of an OED entry – where to find information on etymology, and the evolution of meaning through quotations
the Historical Thesaurus of the OED
the rationale behind drafting an OED entry, as the OED is not a prescriptive dictionary, but a record of how the language is used
sources of evidence for new entries and words to be revised
Browse information
biography (n.)
1680s, "the histories of individual lives, as a branch of literature," probably from Medieval Latin biographia , from later Greek biographia "description of life" (which was not in classical Greek, bios alone being the word there for it), from Greek bios "life" (from PIE root *gwei- "to live") + graphia "record, account" (see -graphy ).
The meaning "a history of some one person's life" is from 1791. The meaning "life course of any living being" is by 1854. No one-word verb form has become common; biographise / biographize (1800), biography (1844), biograph (1849) have been tried.
Entries linking to biography
"a memoir of a person written by himself," 1797, from auto- + biography . Related: Autobiographical ; autobiographer ; autobiographic .
short for biography , attested from 1954. OED cites a 1925 private letter (published 1975) from Irish playwright Sean O'Casey. Earlier shortened forms were biog (1942), biograph (1865).
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Biography Vocabulary Words
Biography vocabulary words are words associated with writing and understanding biographies. These words help to describe the life and accomplishments of a historical figure, artist, or other public figure. They include words like biography, autobiography, timeline, legacy, and influence. They are important to know when studying the life of someone in history or researching a current public figure. Knowing these words can help in understanding biographies more effectively and accurately.
Definition of Biography
Vocabulary Words
Biography is a detailed description of a person’s life, usually with the purpose of understanding their actions, motivations, and accomplishments. As such, there are certain vocabulary words associated with biographies that are important to know and understand in order to comprehend these stories. Here are some of the most common vocabulary words associated with biographical narratives and their definitions:
Anecdote: A short, entertaining story or account of an incident.
Biographer: A person who writes a biography, either as an occupation or as an author.
Context: The circumstances that form the setting of a particular event or conversation.
Epilogue: A brief concluding section to a book or play, typically expressing the moral or practical lesson to be learned.
Factoid: A brief or trivial item of news or information.
Impartial: Not biased or influenced by personal feelings or opinions in considering and representing facts.
Obituary: A notice of someone’s death, typically including a short biography.
Perspective: A particular attitude toward or way of considering a matter.
Reliable: Consistently trustworthy and accurate.
Significance: The quality of being worthy of attention; importance.
Timeline: A sequence of events in chronological order.
Types of Biographies
Biographies provide readers with a glimpse into the lives of some of the most influential people in history. While many biographies are written about historical figures, they can also be written about contemporary figures as well. Regardless of the subject, there are several types of biographies that can be written.
The most common type of biography is an autobiographical account, which is written by the subject of the biography themselves. Autobiographical biographies document the life of the writer in great detail, from their birth to their most recent accomplishments. Autobiographies are often written when the subject is of great importance or has achieved a certain level of success.
The second type of biography is a biographical account. These are written by an author who has researched the subject’s life, and is typically written when the subject has passed away. Biographical accounts provide readers with a comprehensive overview of the subject’s life, including any major accomplishments or significant events.
The third type of biography is a hagiography, which is a type of biography written with an emphasis on the subject’s idealized virtues and heroic deeds. Hagiographies are typically written about religious figures or influential people.
Finally, there is a biographical novel, which is a combination of a biography and a novel. Biographical novels use the facts of the subject’s life to create a fictional narrative, allowing the writer to create a more engaging and entertaining story.
No matter which type of biography you are writing, it’s important to remember that biographies should be informative, accurate, and engaging. While they may be based on the same subject, each type of biography has its own unique purpose and should be written accordingly.
Common Biography Vocabulary Words
Biographies are stories about people’s lives, and they’re often used to learn more about a person’s accomplishments, experiences, and personal attributes. When reading biographies, students should be aware of common biography vocabulary words that are used to describe the person’s character, achievements, and other aspects of their life. Knowing these words will help students understand biographies more easily.
Some of the most common words associated with biographies are “birth,” “death,” “education,” “career,” “accomplishments,” “influence,” “legacy,” “contributions,” and “family.” Other words that can be used to describe a person’s life include “achievements,” “influences,” “mentors,” “friends,” “experiences,” “travels,” and “hobbies.” All of these words can help give insight into the person’s life and accomplishments.
Learning common biography vocabulary words can help students better comprehend biographies and better understand the lives of individuals. By familiarizing themselves with these words, students can become better readers and gain a deeper understanding of the people they are learning about.
Examples of Biography Vocabulary in Context
Biographies provide readers with an in-depth look into the lives of people, their accomplishments, and their impact on society. To effectively convey the story of a person’s life, biography authors must use precise language to describe the events and individuals involved. To help these authors, there is a variety of biography-specific vocabulary words available. From words that describe people’s behavior to words that explain events, biography vocabulary words can help readers better understand the story of a person’s life.
To illustrate the importance of biography vocabulary, let’s take a look at some examples of biography words in context.
The term “milestone” is often used to describe an important event or achievement in a person’s life. For example, a biography about a scientist might discuss the “milestone” of their discovery of a new element.
The word “legacy” is used to describe the lasting impact that a person has had on their field or society in general. For example, a biography about a politician might discuss the “legacy” of their initiatives that are still in place today.
The phrase “formative years” is used to refer to the period of time when a person is learning and growing, usually during their childhood. For example, a biography about an author might discuss their “formative years” and how they shaped their writing style.
By using words like “milestone,” “legacy,” and “formative years,” biographers can provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of a person’s life. With the right vocabulary, biographers can help readers gain insight into the events and individuals that shaped a person’s life.
Tips for Learning Biography Vocabulary
Biography is a great way to understand the lives of historical figures, celebrities, and other influential people. But to comprehend the biographies you read, it’s important to know the vocabulary associated with them. To make the learning process easier, here are some tips for mastering biography vocabulary.
Firstly, start with the basics. Before diving into the more complex words associated with biographies, get to grips with the terms you’re most likely to come across. Get to know the language associated with biographies and familiarize yourself with the common biography vocabulary words.
Once you have the basics down, look into how biography vocabulary is used in context. Instead of just memorizing words, it’s important to understand the nuances of how they’re used. For example, a word can have a different meaning when used in a sentence or when used in a different field.
Additionally, it helps to have a system of practice. Flashcards are a great way to test your knowledge and commit words to memory. Similarly, reading biographies regularly and writing down the biography vocabulary words you come across will also help you remember them.
Finally, the best way to build your vocabulary is to talk about the words you’ve learned. Discussing the words and their definitions with other people is an effective way to cement them in your memory.
These tips are sure to help you boost your biography vocabulary. With a little bit of practice and patience, you’ll be able to read biographies with ease and understand the people and events that shaped history.
Biographies are an invaluable resource for learning about the lives of historical figures and the events that shaped them. Knowing key biography vocabulary words can help readers better understand biographies and the stories they tell. From the Latin word biographia, which means “the writing of life,” biographies offer readers a glimpse into the past and the people who lived it. Whether you’re reading a biography for pleasure or for research, understanding these key words can help you appreciate the story even more. With this knowledge, you’ll be able to better understand the language used in biographies, as well as the events and people described in them.
FAQs About the Biography Vocabulary Words
Q1: What is a “hagiography”? A1: A hagiography is a type of biography that focuses on the life of a particular saint, religious figure, or hero. The hagiography typically includes tales of miracles, heroic acts, and other examples of piety.
Q2: What is an “autobiography”? A2: An autobiography is a type of biography that is written by the subject themselves. It is a firsthand account of the life of the individual, and can include details of family, education, work, relationships, and other aspects of their life.
Q3: What is a “biopic”? A3: A biopic is a type of film or television program that is based on the life of a particular person. It is often used as a form of entertainment, but can also provide an insight into the life of a famous individual.
Biography vocabulary words are essential when discussing the life and work of a person. They provide a way to accurately describe the individual, their accomplishments, and their legacy. Knowing the right words to use when writing or speaking about someone’s life can help us to better understand and appreciate the individual’s story. With the right vocabulary, biographers can craft a story that will leave a lasting impression.
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Microsoft 365 Life Hacks > Writing > When to use ‘while’ vs. ‘whilst’
When to use ‘while’ vs. ‘whilst’
When it comes to nuances in the English language, distinguishing between similar words can sometimes be challenging. Two such words that often confuse learners are “while” and “whilst.” Is there a difference between while and whilst? You may use one word more often than the other, but to get a grasp on English subtleties, it can help to know how these words are different.
“While” versus “whilst”: What’s the difference?
The word “while” is more common in American English, and it has two primary meanings: it can refer to a period or indicate a contrast (such as “in spite of the fact”). Both definitions appear in the following examples:
While she was overseas, the neighborhood changed.
I wanted to get pizza, while my brother wanted burgers.
While you could take the job, it won’t pay as much.
“Whilst,” by comparison, is often found in British English. The above examples can be rewritten with no change in meaning:
Whilst she was overseas, the neighborhood changed.
I wanted to get pizza, whilst my brother wanted burgers.
Whilst you could take the job, it won’t pay as much.
In these examples, both “while” and “whilst” are used as conjunctions or adverbs , and in these instances, both words are interchangeable. They both serve as conjunctions to connect two clauses or ideas related to time.
However, using “whilst” may seem outdated or archaic. As a result, its usage may lend a slightly more formal tone to your writing. When you’re writing creatively , your character may say “whilst” to create an image of traditionalism or upper-crust society. In everyday conversation or writing, most people use the word “while” due to its simplicity and widespread acceptance—both in the US and the UK.
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How to use “while” and “whilst”
There is one key difference where “while” and “whilst” aren’t interchangeable: when “while” is used as a noun or a verb . In the following examples, “while” is used as a noun to indicate a passage of time:
Can I borrow this book for a while?
Come and sit down for a while as they prepare our food.
And in these examples, “while” is used as a verb indicating that the subject is enjoying a relaxing period of time:
We used to while away the cold winter nights by the fire.
I whiled away the weekend doing absolutely nothing and sleeping in.
“Whilst” cannot be used in either of these cases. Even when it comes to nuances between British and American English , this rule is set in stone! If you’re writing for an audience that prefers British English or if you want to add a touch of formality to your writing, “whilst” might be the better option. Yet, in most cases, “while” is the more commonly used and accepted term, especially in American English.
These quirks between the way we speak and communicate in these countries are what gives the English language so much room for us to express ourselves—whether creatively or formally. This further lends credence to our writing. Check out more writing tips that touch on differences between British and American usages, including “defence” vs. “defense,” “inquire” vs. “enquire,” or “apologize” vs. “apologise.”
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Today's NYT Connections Hints (and Answer) for Friday, June 28, 2024
If you’re looking for the Connections answer for Friday, June 28, 2024, read on—I’ll share some clues, tips, and strategies, and finally the solutions to all four categories. Along the way, I’ll explain the meanings of the trickier words and we’ll learn how everything fits together. Beware, there are spoilers below for June 28, NYT Connections #383! Read on if you want some hints (and then the answer) to today’s Connections game.
If you want an easy way to come back to our Connections hints every day, bookmark this page . You can also find our past hints there as well, in case you want to know what you missed in a previous puzzle.
Below, I’ll give you some oblique hints at today’s Connections answers. And farther down the page, I’ll reveal the themes and the answers. Scroll slowly and take just the hints you need!
Hints for the themes in today’s Connections puzzle
Here are some spoiler-free hints for the groupings in today’s Connections:
Yellow category - These carry all your stuff.
Green category - If you trusted someone’s creative vision, you might give them these things.
Blue category - Things actors look or listen for before walking on stage, for example.
Purple category - Slang terms for a type of clothing that might be odd to hang on a hanger.
BEWARE: Spoilers follow for today’s Connections puzzle!
We’re about to give away some of the answers. Scroll slowly if you don’t want the whole thing spoiled. (The full solution is a bit further down.)
A heads up about the tricky parts
SLACK, SIGNAL, MESSENGER, and WORD are all names of apps or computer programs, but that’s not what those words refer to today.
LATITUDE is a way to define space on the globe, but today it has the more metaphorical definition of “space to move side to side.”
DRAWER doesn’t refer to a sliding compartment in a wardrobe—but it does refer to an item you might store in a drawer.
What are the categories in today’s Connections?
Yellow: TYPES OF BAGS
Green: WIGGLE ROOM
Blue: INDICATION TO PROCEED
Purple: UNDERWEAR IN THE SINGULAR
DOUBLE BEWARE: THE SOLUTION IS BELOW
Ready to learn the answers to today’s Connections puzzle? I give them all away below.
What are the yellow words in today’s Connections?
The yellow grouping is considered to be the most straightforward. The theme for today’s yellow group is TYPES OF BAGS and the words are: CLUTCH, MESSENGER, SATCHEL, TOTE.
What are the green words in today’s Connections?
The green grouping is supposed to be the second-easiest. The theme for today’s green category is WIGGLE ROOM and the words are: FREEDOM, LATITUDE, LICENSE, SLACK.
What are the blue words in today’s Connections?
The blue grouping is the second-hardest. The theme for today’s blue category is INDICATION TO PROCEED and the words are: CUE, PROMPT, SIGNAL, WORD.
What are the purple words in today’s Connections?
The purple grouping is considered to be the hardest. The theme for today’s purple category is UNDERWEAR IN THE SINGULAR and the words are: BOXER, BRIEF, DRAWER, SHORT.
How I solved today’s Connections
The first thing that sticks out about today’s board is the names of various kinds of bags: MESSENGER, CLUTCH, SATCHEL, and TOTE. There’s an argument to be made that BRIEF (as in “briefcase”) fits too, but I think those other four are stronger hits. 🟨
SLACK and SIGNAL stick out as chat apps, but I don’t see anything else that fits that theme. WORD is also a computer program, but that doesn’t feel like the same category.
PROMPT and CUE could be synonyms, maybe with SIGNAL? I’m not sure what the fourth word would be yet. WORD or BRIEF (like a creative brief) might fit.
Maybe BRIEF goes with BOXER, SHORT, and DRAWER as terms for underwear? 🟪 Ah, and they’re all singular forms. Cool.
Now I see how the last eight words fit: SIGNAL, PROMPT, WORD, and CUE are all synonyms for encouraging or spurring someone to do something. 🟦
That leaves FREEDOM, LATITUDE, LICENSE, and SLACK, which are all ways to refer to having wiggle room or creative control, as in “creative license.” 🟩
How to play Connections
I have a full guide to playing Connections , but here’s a refresher on the rules:
First, find the Connections game either on the New York Times website or in their Games app (formerly the Crossword app). You’ll see a game board with 16 tiles, each with one word or phrase. Your job is to select a group of four tiles that have something in common. Often they are all the same type of thing (for example: RAIN, SLEET, HAIL, and SNOW are all types of wet weather) but sometimes there is wordplay involved (for example, BUCKET, GUEST, TOP TEN, and WISH are all types of lists : bucket list, guest list, and so on).
Select four items and hit the Submit button. If you guessed correctly, the category and color will be revealed. (Yellow is easiest, followed by green, then blue, then purple.) If your guess was incorrect, you’ll get a chance to try again.
You win when you’ve correctly identified all four groups. But if you make four mistakes before you finish, the game ends and the answers are revealed.
How to win Connections
The most important thing to know to win Connections is that the groupings are designed to be tricky. Expect to see overlapping groups. For example, one puzzle seemed to include six breakfast foods: BACON, EGG, PANCAKE, OMELET, WAFFLE, and CEREAL. But BACON turned out to be part of a group of painters along with CLOSE, MUNCH, and WHISTLER, and EGG was in a group of things that come by the dozen (along with JUROR, ROSE, and MONTH). So don’t hit “submit” until you’ve confirmed that your group of four contains only those four things.
If you’re stuck, another strategy is to look at the words that seem to have no connection to the others. If all that comes to mind when you see WHISTLER is the painting nicknamed “Whistler’s Mother,” you might be on to something. When I solved that one, I ended up googling whether there was a painter named Close, because Close didn’t fit any of the obvious themes, either.
Another way to win when you’re stuck is, obviously, to read a few helpful hints–which is why we share these pointers every day. Check back tomorrow for the next puzzle!
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Biography
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COMMENTS
Biography Definition & Meaning
biography: [noun] a usually written history of a person's life.
BIOGRAPHY Definition & Meaning
Biography definition: a written account of another person's life. See examples of BIOGRAPHY used in a sentence.
BIOGRAPHY
BIOGRAPHY definition: 1. the life story of a person written by someone else: 2. the life story of a person written by…. Learn more.
BIOGRAPHY
BIOGRAPHY meaning: 1. the life story of a person written by someone else: 2. the life story of a person written by…. Learn more.
Biography
Biography. A biography, or simply bio, is a detailed description of a person's life. It involves more than just basic facts like education, work, relationships, and death; it portrays a person's experience of these life events. Unlike a profile or curriculum vitae ( résumé ), a biography presents a subject's life story, highlighting various ...
Biography
biography: 1 n an account of the series of events making up a person's life Synonyms: life , life history , life story Examples: Parallel Lives a collection of biographies of famous pairs of Greeks and Romans written by Plutarch; used by Shakespeare in writing some of his plays Types: show 4 types... hide 4 types... autobiography a biography ...
biography noun
Word Origin late 17th cent.: from French biographie or modern Latin biographia, from medieval Greek, from bios 'life' + -graphia 'writing'. Take your English to the next level The Oxford Learner's Thesaurus explains the difference between groups of similar words.
Biography
biography, form of literature, commonly considered nonfictional, the subject of which is the life of an individual.One of the oldest forms of literary expression, it seeks to re-create in words the life of a human being—as understood from the historical or personal perspective of the author—by drawing upon all available evidence, including that retained in memory as well as written, oral ...
biography, n. meanings, etymology and more
Where does the noun biography come from? The earliest known use of the noun biography is in the mid 1600s. OED's earliest evidence for biography is from 1661, in the writing of John Fell, bishop of Oxford. biography is a borrowing from Latin. Etymons: Latin biographia.
biography noun
Definition of biography noun in Oxford Advanced American Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
BIOGRAPHY definition and meaning
2 meanings: 1. an account of a person's life by another 2. such accounts collectively.... Click for more definitions.
Biography
Define biography. biography synonyms, biography pronunciation, biography translation, English dictionary definition of biography. n. pl. bi·og·ra·phies 1. An account of a person's life written, composed, or produced by another: a film biography of Adlai Stevenson; an oral biography.
24 Synonyms & Antonyms for BIOGRAPHY
Find 24 different ways to say BIOGRAPHY, along with antonyms, related words, and example sentences at Thesaurus.com.
Bio Definition & Meaning
The meaning of BIO is a biography or biographical sketch. How to use bio in a sentence.
A biography (BYE-og-ruh-fee) is a written account of one person's life authored by another person. A biography includes all pertinent details from the subject's life, typically arranged in a chronological order. The word biography stems from the Latin biographia, which succinctly explains the word's definition: bios = "life" + graphia ...
Biography
Definition of Biography. A biography is the non- fiction, written history or account of a person's life. Biographies are intended to give an objective portrayal of a person, written in the third person. Biographers collect information from the subject (if he/she is available), acquaintances of the subject, or in researching other sources such ...
BIOGRAPHY
BIOGRAPHY meaning: 1. the story of a person's life written by another person 2. about someone's life: . Learn more.
What Is a Biography? Definition & 25+ Examples
Defining Biography. A biography is a detailed account of a person's life, written by someone other than the subject. The term "biography" is derived from two Greek words: "bio," which means life, and "graphy," which signifies writing. Thus, a biography is the written history of someone's life, offering an in-depth look at their ...
Biography Definition & Meaning
biography (noun) biography /baɪ ˈ ɑːgrəfi/ noun. plural biographies. Britannica Dictionary definition of BIOGRAPHY. [count] : the story of a real person's life written by someone other than that person. a new biography of Abraham Lincoln. — compare autobiography.
The biography of a word
The biography of a word. This talk was presented by Jessie Fry, OED Associate Editor, Oxford Languages, to Professor Paige Gray's class of Liberal Arts and Writing at the Savannah College of Art and Design, and covered: the anatomy of an OED entry - where to find information on etymology, and the evolution of meaning through quotations.
biography
The meaning "a history of some one person's life" is from 1791. The meaning "life course of any living being" is by 1854. No one-word verb form has become common; biographise / biographize (1800), biography (1844), biograph (1849) have been tried. also from 1680s. Entries linking to biography.
Biography Vocabulary Words
Definition of Biography . Vocabulary Words. Biography is a detailed description of a person's life, usually with the purpose of understanding their actions, motivations, and accomplishments. As such, there are certain vocabulary words associated with biographies that are important to know and understand in order to comprehend these stories ...
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Words no longer mean what they used to - cap doesn't just refer to the apparel but can also mean you're accusing someone of lying. Gen Z speaks in a special type of lingo that leaves outsiders ...
When to use 'while' vs. 'whilst'
The word "while" is more common in American English, and it has two primary meanings: it can refer to a period or indicate a contrast (such as "in spite of the fact"). Both definitions appear in the following examples: While she was overseas, the neighborhood changed. I wanted to get pizza, while my brother wanted burgers.
NYT Connections Answer for Today, June 28, 2024
If you're looking for the Connections answer for Friday, June 28, 2024, read on—I'll share some clues, tips, and strategies, and finally the solutions to all four categories. Along the way ...
- a biography of yourself
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
biography: [noun] a usually written history of a person's life.
Biography definition: a written account of another person's life. See examples of BIOGRAPHY used in a sentence.
BIOGRAPHY definition: 1. the life story of a person written by someone else: 2. the life story of a person written by…. Learn more.
BIOGRAPHY meaning: 1. the life story of a person written by someone else: 2. the life story of a person written by…. Learn more.
Biography. A biography, or simply bio, is a detailed description of a person's life. It involves more than just basic facts like education, work, relationships, and death; it portrays a person's experience of these life events. Unlike a profile or curriculum vitae ( résumé ), a biography presents a subject's life story, highlighting various ...
biography: 1 n an account of the series of events making up a person's life Synonyms: life , life history , life story Examples: Parallel Lives a collection of biographies of famous pairs of Greeks and Romans written by Plutarch; used by Shakespeare in writing some of his plays Types: show 4 types... hide 4 types... autobiography a biography ...
Word Origin late 17th cent.: from French biographie or modern Latin biographia, from medieval Greek, from bios 'life' + -graphia 'writing'. Take your English to the next level The Oxford Learner's Thesaurus explains the difference between groups of similar words.
biography, form of literature, commonly considered nonfictional, the subject of which is the life of an individual.One of the oldest forms of literary expression, it seeks to re-create in words the life of a human being—as understood from the historical or personal perspective of the author—by drawing upon all available evidence, including that retained in memory as well as written, oral ...
Where does the noun biography come from? The earliest known use of the noun biography is in the mid 1600s. OED's earliest evidence for biography is from 1661, in the writing of John Fell, bishop of Oxford. biography is a borrowing from Latin. Etymons: Latin biographia.
Definition of biography noun in Oxford Advanced American Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
2 meanings: 1. an account of a person's life by another 2. such accounts collectively.... Click for more definitions.
Define biography. biography synonyms, biography pronunciation, biography translation, English dictionary definition of biography. n. pl. bi·og·ra·phies 1. An account of a person's life written, composed, or produced by another: a film biography of Adlai Stevenson; an oral biography.
Find 24 different ways to say BIOGRAPHY, along with antonyms, related words, and example sentences at Thesaurus.com.
The meaning of BIO is a biography or biographical sketch. How to use bio in a sentence.
Synonyms for BIOGRAPHY: memoir, autobiography, bio, history, life, hagiography, psychobiography, obituary, chronicle, profile
A biography (BYE-og-ruh-fee) is a written account of one person's life authored by another person. A biography includes all pertinent details from the subject's life, typically arranged in a chronological order. The word biography stems from the Latin biographia, which succinctly explains the word's definition: bios = "life" + graphia ...
Definition of Biography. A biography is the non- fiction, written history or account of a person's life. Biographies are intended to give an objective portrayal of a person, written in the third person. Biographers collect information from the subject (if he/she is available), acquaintances of the subject, or in researching other sources such ...
BIOGRAPHY meaning: 1. the story of a person's life written by another person 2. about someone's life: . Learn more.
Defining Biography. A biography is a detailed account of a person's life, written by someone other than the subject. The term "biography" is derived from two Greek words: "bio," which means life, and "graphy," which signifies writing. Thus, a biography is the written history of someone's life, offering an in-depth look at their ...
biography (noun) biography /baɪ ˈ ɑːgrəfi/ noun. plural biographies. Britannica Dictionary definition of BIOGRAPHY. [count] : the story of a real person's life written by someone other than that person. a new biography of Abraham Lincoln. — compare autobiography.
The biography of a word. This talk was presented by Jessie Fry, OED Associate Editor, Oxford Languages, to Professor Paige Gray's class of Liberal Arts and Writing at the Savannah College of Art and Design, and covered: the anatomy of an OED entry - where to find information on etymology, and the evolution of meaning through quotations.
The meaning "a history of some one person's life" is from 1791. The meaning "life course of any living being" is by 1854. No one-word verb form has become common; biographise / biographize (1800), biography (1844), biograph (1849) have been tried. also from 1680s. Entries linking to biography.
Definition of Biography . Vocabulary Words. Biography is a detailed description of a person's life, usually with the purpose of understanding their actions, motivations, and accomplishments. As such, there are certain vocabulary words associated with biographies that are important to know and understand in order to comprehend these stories ...
Life. iStock. 20 Longest Words in English and Their Meanings (Plus, How To Pronounce Them!) One is a whopping 45 letters long. Author: ... what does the longest word in English mean? It is a type ...
Words no longer mean what they used to - cap doesn't just refer to the apparel but can also mean you're accusing someone of lying. Gen Z speaks in a special type of lingo that leaves outsiders ...
The word "while" is more common in American English, and it has two primary meanings: it can refer to a period or indicate a contrast (such as "in spite of the fact"). Both definitions appear in the following examples: While she was overseas, the neighborhood changed. I wanted to get pizza, while my brother wanted burgers.
If you're looking for the Connections answer for Friday, June 28, 2024, read on—I'll share some clues, tips, and strategies, and finally the solutions to all four categories. Along the way ...