Anecdote: | Definition

Anecdote | Definition, Meaning & Examples Published on November 27, 2024 by Kassiani Nikolopoulou, MSc Revised on September 7, 2025 An anecdote is a brief, engaging story about a specific incident or experience, often involving an individual. While they can be real or fictional, anecdotes are typically presented as true. They may entertain, serve as cautionary tales, or reveal character traits. Some are humorous, while others are serious, making them common in casual conversations, speeches ... An anecdote is a short story with a point, often used to illustrate an idea or characterize a person or place. Learn about the origin, meaning, and types of anecdotes, as well as their role in literature, humor, and evidence. An anecdote is a short narrative about an incident you know of that happened in one’s own life or others’ lives. The purposes and types of anecdotes are numerous. In this article, you will be introduced to what an anecdote is, why and how to write an anecdote and the types of anecdotes. Furthermore, you can check out the examples provided in the article and analyse how they are written. Table of Contents What Is an Anecdote ? – Meaning and Definition Purposes of an Anecdote How to Write ... Anecdote Examples 1. Personal Anecdotes Key Purpose: Develop emotional or interpersonal connection A personal anecdote is a short narrative about an incident or situation from a person’s own life. It typically offers a glimpse into the narrator’s experiences, feelings, or personality. These are useful for creating a sense of personal connection between the narrator and the listener or reader.