a definition for the word biography

Forum discussions with the word(s) "biography" in the title:

In other languages: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |

Words and phrases

Personal account.

• Access or purchase personal subscriptions
• Get our newsletter
• Save searches
• Set display preferences

Institutional access

Sign in with library card

Sign in with username / password

Recommend to your librarian

Institutional account management

Sign in as administrator on Oxford Academic

biography noun

• Hide all quotations

What does the noun biography mean?

There are three meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun biography . See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

How common is the noun biography ?

How is the noun biography pronounced?

British english, u.s. english, where does the noun biography come from.

Earliest known use

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 .

Nearby entries

• biognosy, n. 1880
• biograph, n. 1825–
• biograph, v. 1776–
• biographee, n. 1812–
• biographer, n. 1644–
• biographic, adj. 1752–
• biographical, adj. 1668–
• biographically, adv. ?1719–
• biographist, n. a1661–
• biographize, v. 1793–
• biography, n. 1661–
• biography, v. 1794–
• biographying, n. 1858–
• biohacker, n. 1988–
• biohacking, n. 1992–
• biohazard, n. 1965–
• biohazardous, adj. 1973–
• bioherm, n. 1928–
• biohermal, adj. 1937–
• bioidentical, adj. 1995–
• bioimaging, n. 1983–

Thank you for visiting Oxford English Dictionary

To continue reading, please sign in below or purchase a subscription. After purchasing, please sign in below to access the content.

Meaning & use

Pronunciation, compounds & derived words, entry history for biography, n..

biography, n. was revised in November 2010.

biography, n. was last modified in July 2023.

oed.com is a living text, updated every three months. Modifications may include:

• further revisions to definitions, pronunciation, etymology, headwords, variant spellings, quotations, and dates;
• new senses, phrases, and quotations.

Revisions and additions of this kind were last incorporated into biography, n. in July 2023.

Earlier versions of this entry were published in:

OED First Edition (1887)

• Find out more

OED Second Edition (1989)

• View biography, n. in OED Second Edition

Please submit your feedback for biography, n.

Please include your email address if you are happy to be contacted about your feedback. OUP will not use this email address for any other purpose.

Citation details

Factsheet for biography, n., browse entry.

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.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

As you found this post useful...

Share it on social media!

We are sorry that this post was not useful for you!

Let us improve this post!

Tell us how we can improve this post?

Meaning of "biography" in the English dictionary

Pronunciation of biography, grammatical category of biography, what does biography mean in english.

Definition of biography in the English dictionary

The definition of biography in the dictionary is an account of a person's life by another. Other definition of biography is such accounts collectively.

WORDS THAT RHYME WITH BIOGRAPHY

Words that begin like biography, words that end like biography, synonyms and antonyms of biography in the english dictionary of synonyms, synonyms of «biography», words relating to «biography», translation of «biography» into 25 languages.

TRANSLATION OF BIOGRAPHY

Translator english - chinese, translator english - spanish, translator english - hindi, translator english - arabic, translator english - russian, translator english - portuguese, translator english - bengali, translator english - french, translator english - malay, translator english - german, translator english - japanese, translator english - korean, translator english - javanese, translator english - vietnamese, translator english - tamil, translator english - marathi, translator english - turkish, translator english - italian, translator english - polish, translator english - ukrainian, translator english - romanian, translator english - greek, translator english - afrikaans, translator english - swedish, translator english - norwegian, trends of use of biography, tendencies of use of the term «biography».

FREQUENCY OF USE OF THE TERM «BIOGRAPHY» OVER TIME

Examples of use in the english literature, quotes and news about biography, 10 quotes with «biography», 10 english books relating to «biography», 10 news items which include the term «biography».

• ABBREVIATIONS
• BIOGRAPHIES
• CALCULATORS
• CONVERSIONS
• DEFINITIONS

  Vocabulary      

What does biography mean?

Definitions for biography baɪˈɒg rə fi, bi- bi·og·ra·phy, this dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word biography ., princeton's wordnet rate this definition: 3.4 / 5 votes.

biography, life, life story, life history noun

an account of the series of events making up a person's life

Wiktionary Rate this definition: 3.3 / 3 votes

• biography noun

A person's life story, especially one published.

There are many biographies of Benjamin Franklin.

biography verb

To write a biography of.

Etymology: From modern Latin biographia, formed from βίος + γράφω.

Samuel Johnson's Dictionary Rate this definition: 0.0 / 0 votes

Biography noun

In writing the lives of men, which is called biography, some authors place every thing in the precise order of time when it occurred. Isaac Watts Logick.

Etymology: βίος and γϱαφω.

Wikipedia Rate this definition: 0.0 / 0 votes

A biography, or simply bio, is a detailed description of a person's life. It involves more than just the 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 aspects of their life, including intimate details of experience, and may include an analysis of the subject's personality. Biographical works are usually non-fiction, but fiction can also be used to portray a person's life. One in-depth form of biographical coverage is called legacy writing. Works in diverse media, from literature to film, form the genre known as biography. An authorized biography is written with the permission, cooperation, and at times, participation of a subject or a subject's heirs. An autobiography is written by the person themselves, sometimes with the assistance of a collaborator or ghostwriter.

ChatGPT Rate this definition: 0.0 / 0 votes

A biography is a detailed account or description of a person's life, chronicling the experiences, events, achievements, and attributes of that individual. This account is generally written by someone else and includes in-depth research, including interviews with people who knew or worked with the person being profiled.

Webster Dictionary Rate this definition: 1.0 / 1 vote

the written history of a person's life

biographical writings in general

Wikidata Rate this definition: 3.0 / 9 votes

A biography is a detailed description or account of a person's life. It entails more than basic facts - a biography also portrays a subject's experience of these events. Unlike a profile or curriculum vitae, a biography presents a subject's life story, highlighting various aspects of his or her life, including intimate details of experience, and may include an analysis of the subject's personality. Biographical works are usually non-fiction, but fiction can also be used to portray a person's life. One in-depth form of biographical coverage is called legacy writing. Works in diverse media — from literature to film — form the genre known as biography. An authorized biography is written with the permission, cooperation, and at times, participation of a subject or a subject's heirs. An autobiography is written by the person themselves, sometimes with the assistance of a collaborator or ghostwriter.

Chambers 20th Century Dictionary Rate this definition: 4.5 / 2 votes

bī-og′raf-i, n. a written account or history of the life of an individual: the art of writing such accounts.— n. Biog′rapher , one who writes biography.— adjs. Biograph′ic , -al .— adv. Biograph′ically . [Gr. bios , life, graphein , to write.]

U.S. National Library of Medicine Rate this definition: 3.0 / 2 votes

Works consisting of an account of the events, works, and achievements, personal and professional, during a person's life. It includes articles on the activities and accomplishments of living persons as well as the presentation of an obituary.

British National Corpus

Nouns Frequency

Rank popularity for the word 'biography' in Nouns Frequency: #2989

Usage in printed sources From:  

[["1524","7"],["1572","1"],["1579","3"],["1590","4"],["1607","9"],["1624","1"],["1626","5"],["1635","3"],["1637","3"],["1643","4"],["1650","2"],["1662","1"],["1665","3"],["1669","2"],["1673","3"],["1675","3"],["1683","3"],["1689","5"],["1698","1"],["1702","2"],["1703","1"],["1706","6"],["1708","1"],["1711","6"],["1712","1"],["1713","2"],["1714","1"],["1719","1"],["1722","7"],["1726","1"],["1728","1"],["1734","1"],["1736","4"],["1742","1"],["1743","1"],["1746","1"],["1749","1"],["1750","18"],["1751","2"],["1752","8"],["1753","6"],["1754","3"],["1755","2"],["1756","7"],["1757","15"],["1758","9"],["1759","16"],["1760","2"],["1761","6"],["1762","7"],["1763","3"],["1764","5"],["1765","1"],["1766","11"],["1767","9"],["1768","8"],["1769","4"],["1770","9"],["1772","5"],["1774","1"],["1776","9"],["1777","17"],["1778","23"],["1779","8"],["1780","7"],["1781","19"],["1782","13"],["1783","16"],["1784","17"],["1785","14"],["1786","12"],["1787","44"],["1788","25"],["1789","32"],["1790","33"],["1791","76"],["1792","59"],["1793","21"],["1794","78"],["1795","55"],["1796","86"],["1797","26"],["1798","96"],["1799","139"],["1800","222"],["1801","349"],["1802","121"],["1803","209"],["1804","295"],["1805","239"],["1806","348"],["1807","313"],["1808","266"],["1809","533"],["1810","473"],["1811","337"],["1812","293"],["1813","554"],["1814","584"],["1815","461"],["1816","476"],["1817","548"],["1818","504"],["1819","399"],["1820","631"],["1821","482"],["1822","475"],["1823","809"],["1824","1224"],["1825","1137"],["1826","695"],["1827","690"],["1828","810"],["1829","774"],["1830","1165"],["1831","1274"],["1832","1014"],["1833","1490"],["1834","1529"],["1835","1778"],["1836","1459"],["1837","1443"],["1838","1711"],["1839","1771"],["1840","1652"],["1841","1617"],["1842","1245"],["1843","1549"],["1844","1900"],["1845","1929"],["1846","2187"],["1847","2490"],["1848","2492"],["1849","2861"],["1850","3277"],["1851","3246"],["1852","3738"],["1853","4058"],["1854","4467"],["1855","3780"],["1856","4238"],["1857","3515"],["1858","3451"],["1859","3764"],["1860","3865"],["1861","2557"],["1862","2033"],["1863","2190"],["1864","3021"],["1865","2716"],["1866","3036"],["1867","2990"],["1868","3343"],["1869","3195"],["1870","3008"],["1871","3086"],["1872","3223"],["1873","3652"],["1874","4188"],["1875","3730"],["1876","4251"],["1877","4213"],["1878","4185"],["1879","4313"],["1880","5603"],["1881","6978"],["1882","5837"],["1883","6700"],["1884","6297"],["1885","6311"],["1886","5427"],["1887","5493"],["1888","6071"],["1889","5175"],["1890","6024"],["1891","6526"],["1892","7163"],["1893","7413"],["1894","7017"],["1895","7348"],["1896","9356"],["1897","8960"],["1898","8166"],["1899","9721"],["1900","10009"],["1901","9235"],["1902","9613"],["1903","10234"],["1904","10651"],["1905","9357"],["1906","10488"],["1907","11220"],["1908","10277"],["1909","9374"],["1910","10454"],["1911","9729"],["1912","9738"],["1913","9568"],["1914","7847"],["1915","9180"],["1916","9198"],["1917","8399"],["1918","6596"],["1919","7713"],["1920","9326"],["1921","8118"],["1922","9676"],["1923","7991"],["1924","8351"],["1925","8997"],["1926","8875"],["1927","11539"],["1928","11089"],["1929","11215"],["1930","12763"],["1931","11032"],["1932","9448"],["1933","7742"],["1934","9739"],["1935","15046"],["1936","10244"],["1937","11143"],["1938","11122"],["1939","10754"],["1940","10828"],["1941","11769"],["1942","8069"],["1943","6496"],["1944","6993"],["1945","8296"],["1946","10420"],["1947","10940"],["1948","12652"],["1949","14494"],["1950","15044"],["1951","15012"],["1952","14851"],["1953","13232"],["1954","14063"],["1955","15185"],["1956","17923"],["1957","19334"],["1958","16710"],["1959","19267"],["1960","19740"],["1961","25661"],["1962","24344"],["1963","27370"],["1964","25608"],["1965","30851"],["1966","35916"],["1967","34661"],["1968","35418"],["1969","35788"],["1970","37406"],["1971","39078"],["1972","37521"],["1973","34329"],["1974","35144"],["1975","32811"],["1976","38210"],["1977","40575"],["1978","37319"],["1979","37006"],["1980","40570"],["1981","38146"],["1982","40997"],["1983","41880"],["1984","45172"],["1985","47182"],["1986","47480"],["1987","58801"],["1988","56589"],["1989","56603"],["1990","60252"],["1991","61925"],["1992","67649"],["1993","68199"],["1994","72775"],["1995","72356"],["1996","78735"],["1997","78878"],["1998","87538"],["1999","92039"],["2000","97066"],["2001","95160"],["2002","102370"],["2003","108269"],["2004","121553"],["2005","117174"],["2006","128568"],["2007","134752"],["2008","137897"]]

Anagrams for biography »

How to pronounce biography.

Alex US English David US English Mark US English Daniel British Libby British Mia British Karen Australian Hayley Australian Natasha Australian Veena Indian Priya Indian Neerja Indian Zira US English Oliver British Wendy British Fred US English Tessa South African

How to say biography in sign language?

Chaldean Numerology

The numerical value of biography in Chaldean Numerology is: 3

Pythagorean Numerology

The numerical value of biography in Pythagorean Numerology is: 2

Examples of biography in a Sentence

André Maurois :

A great biography should, like the close of a great drama, leave behind it a feeling of serenity. We collect into a small bunch the flowers, the few flowers, which brought sweetness into a life, and present it as an offering to an accomplished destiny. It is the dying refrain of a completed song, the final verse of a finished poem.

David Kendall :

This is not a case about the dissemination to the public of classified information, no classified information appeared in the biography . Not a single syllable.

Evan Thomas :

Nixon's paranoia went up a great deal after he lost in 1960, partly because he felt the Kennedys had used dirty tricks to defeat him, he felt the Kennedys were better at dirty tricks than he was in 1960. And he was probably not wrong about that. The Kennedys played hardball. And [his brother] Bobby Kennedy was probably smarter about dirty tricks in 1960 than Richard Nixon was. I say that having written a biography of Bobby Kennedy.

There was never a good biography of a good novelist. There couldn't be. He is too many people if he's any good.

Matt Barreto :

The difference with Bush is he has access to the Mexican American experience, which is really different than the Cuban experience, rubio's biography is not unlike other immigrants, but Cubans had advantages that other immigrants don't. His experiences don't have the same resonance.

Popularity rank by frequency of use

• ^  Princeton's WordNet http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=biography
• ^  Wiktionary https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Biography
• ^  Samuel Johnson's Dictionary https://johnsonsdictionaryonline.com/views/search.php?term=biography
• ^  Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biography
• ^  ChatGPT https://chat.openai.com
• ^  Webster Dictionary https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/biography
• ^  Wikidata https://www.wikidata.org/w/index.php?search=biography
• ^  Chambers 20th Century Dictionary https://www.gutenberg.org/files/37683/37683-h/37683-h.htm#:~:text=biography
• ^  Usage in printed sources https://books.google.com/ngrams/graph?content=biography

Word of the Day

Would you like us to send you a free new word definition delivered to your inbox daily.

Please enter your email address:

Citation

Use the citation below to add this definition to your bibliography:.

Style: MLA Chicago APA

"biography." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 30 Aug. 2024. < https://www.definitions.net/definition/biography >.

Discuss these biography definitions with the community:

Report Comment

We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe. If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.

You need to be logged in to favorite .

Create a new account.

Your name: * Required

Your email address: * Required

Pick a user name: * Required

Username: * Required

Password: * Required

Forgot your password?    Retrieve it

Are we missing a good definition for biography ? Don't keep it to yourself...

Image credit, the web's largest resource for, definitions & translations, a member of the stands4 network, image or illustration of.

Free, no signup required :

Add to chrome, add to firefox, browse definitions.net, are you a words master, lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike, Nearby & related entries:.

• biographical research
• biographically
• biographies
• biographist
• biographize
• biography as topic

Alternative searches for biography :

• Search for biography on Amazon

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).

biographical

• See all related words ( 7 ) >

Trends of biography

More to explore, share biography.

updated on October 10, 2022

Trending words

• 2 . lollygag
• 7 . romance
• 8 . compassion
• 9 . business
• 10 . cosmos

Dictionary entries near biography

biogeography

• English (English)
• 简体中文 (Chinese)
• Deutsch (German)
• Español (Spanish)
• Français (French)
• Italiano (Italian)
• 日本語 (Japanese)
• 한국어 (Korean)
• Português (Portuguese)
• 繁體中文 (Chinese)

Word of the Day

What it means.

Fallacious is a formal word that typically describes something, such as an argument or assumption, that is false or inaccurate and that tends to mislead or deceive others.

// The notion that disease is caused by malign spirits was known to be fallacious long before the advent of germ theory .

See the entry >

fallacious in Context

"Bad legislation and fallacious arguments are threatening our most renowned educational institutions, which have made major contributions to our understanding of science and society and to our health and economic well-being, institutions that are the envy of the world." — Burton G. Malkiel, The Wall Street Journal , 19 Oct. 2022

Build your vocabulary! Get Word of the Day in your inbox every day.

Challenging standardized test words, vol. 2.

• The business’s new computer system proved not to be a panacea .
• Costly burden Cure-all
• Obstacle Secure space

Hear a word and type it out. How many can you get right?

Pick the best words!

Did You Know?

It will come as no surprise that fallacious is related to the noun fallacy , meaning “delusion” or “falsehood.” Both words come from the Latin word fallacia , which in turn comes from fallere , meaning “to deceive.” (Other descendants of fallere in English include fail , false , and fault .) Fallacious arguments are a hot topic among philosophers, and some classic examples include the “ ad hominem ” fallacy, the “ slippery slope ” fallacy, and the “ red herring ” fallacy.

Test Your Vocabulary with M-W Quizzes

Name That Tree!

Name That Thing MegaQuiz: Vol. 4

Quiz: Abbreviation Station

Guess the Literary Image

Famous Novels, Last Lines Quiz

Quiz: Foreign Phrases You Should Know

Test Your Vocabulary

Rearrange the letters to form an adjective that means "not governed by or according to reason": IAALRTORNI

More Words of the Day

Propinquity.

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Games & Quizzes

• Share full article

The Bitter Fight Over the Meaning of ‘Genocide’

Debates over how to describe conflicts in Gaza, Myanmar and elsewhere are channeling a controversy as old as the word itself.

Credit... Illustration by Pablo Delcan

Supported by

By Linda Kinstler

Linda Kinstler is a junior fellow at Harvard’s Society of Fellows and the author of “Come to This Court and Cry: How the Holocaust Ends.” She has written extensively about legal history and the politics of memory.

• Aug. 20, 2024

On Feb. 26, 2007, Smail Čekić stormed out of the Peace Palace, the seat of the International Court of Justice, carrying the decision the judges had just handed down. The case that concluded that day, Bosnia v. Serbia, was to determine whether Serbia had violated the Genocide Convention during the Bosnian War, when Bosnian Serb forces killed an estimated 100,000 civilians. Čekić, then the director of Sarajevo University’s Institute for Research of Crimes Against Humanity and International Law and a Bosnian victim of the war, had hoped the court, which is based in The Hague, would punish his compatriots’ deaths and acknowledge them as victims of genocide. Instead, the court declined to classify a vast majority of the Bosnian deaths as genocidal. For Čekić and other survivors, the ruling was a betrayal: They felt that the court had refused to recognize the true nature of the violence. Newspapers reported that Serbia had been found not guilty of genocide; a celebration was planned at the Serbian Embassy. Standing outside the I.C.J., the top court of the United Nations, Čekić tore the text of the judgment to pieces.

Listen to this article, read by Soneela Nankani

That day, the court ruled that over the course of the war, Serbia committed genocide only in one instance. During the 1995 Srebrenica massacre, Bosnian Serb fighters took roughly 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys to predetermined sites before killing them and throwing their bodies into mass graves. In a vast landscape of murder that, as the judges acknowledged, included horrors like the systematic torture, rape and beatings of Bosnians in detention camps and the expulsion of thousands of non-Serbs, this episode alone appeared sufficiently genocidal to the judges. Only there did the perpetrators explicitly display the dolus specialis , or specific intent, “to destroy, in whole or in part, the group as such” required for a killing to be considered an instance of genocide. Killings elsewhere in Bosnia may have been war crimes or crimes against humanity — acts that were equally grave — but the decision argued that wherever there were any other plausible reasons for why the killings took place, the court could not rule that genocide definitively occurred. In a dissenting opinion, Judge Awn Shawkat Al-Khasawneh of Jordan chastised his colleagues for failing to appreciate the “definitional complexity” of genocide by interpreting the intent requirement so narrowly.

Marko Milanović, now a scholar of international law, was working as a clerk at the I.C.J. that day in 2007. He watched on TV as Čekić tore up the verdict in anger. For him, the episode heralded a rupture that by then was already underway. The moral force of the word “genocide” and the public understanding of the word had become fully detached from its relatively narrow legal meaning. Ever since the Polish lawyer Raphael Lemkin coined the word in 1944, by combining the Greek word genos , meaning “race or tribe,” with the Latin cide, or “killing,” it has been pulled taut between languages — Greek and Latin, legal and moral.

In his book from that year, “Axis Rule in Occupied Europe,” Lemkin explains that he saw the word as describing “an old practice in its modern development.” In his view, genocide encompassed a broad array of crimes committed with the intent to destroy a national, religious, racial or ethnic group. A secular Jew who believed that every people carried its own distinct spirit, Lemkin argued that genocide included acts not just of physical obliteration but also of cultural annihilation. For him, the word described any attempt to stamp out a people’s essence from the earth. It included mass killings as well as actions to eliminate the “essential foundations of the life of national groups”: the destruction of language, traditions, monuments, artworks, archives, libraries, universities and places of worship. Lemkin’s hope was that coining the word, and persuading nations to recognize it as a crime, might somehow prevent it from recurring. He wanted his neologism to convert what Winston Churchill once called a “crime without a name” into an identifiable, obvious and abhorrent thing.

But by the time the United Nations approved the Genocide Convention on Dec. 9, 1948, making genocide a crime under international law, only a shadow of Lemkin’s original idea survived. After years of contentious deliberation and diplomatic negotiation, the convention limited genocide to five categories of acts: killing members of a group; causing group members serious bodily or mental harm; imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group; forcibly transferring children from one group to another; and “deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part.” Each one of these acts could constitute genocide only if and when committed with the specific intent to destroy a protected group. All state parties agreed to prevent and punish any instance of this crime.

We are having trouble retrieving the article content.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and  log into  your Times account, or  subscribe  for all of The Times.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access.

Already a subscriber?  Log in .

Want all of The Times?  Subscribe .

Advertisement

About Islam

• # Quran 382 Articles
• # Spirituality 382 Articles
• # Discovering Islam 382 Articles
• # Shariah 382 Articles
• # Videos 382 Articles
• # Family & Life 382 Articles
• # Fatwa & Counseling 382 Articles
• # Muslim News 382 Articles
• # Youth Q & A 382 Articles
• # Donate 382 Articles
• Reverts Guide
• Introduction to Islam

Understanding the True Meaning of Islam

The word “Islam” is often mentioned in today’s world, yet its true meaning is frequently misunderstood. Let’s explore the essence of this term together.

What Does Islam Mean?

The word “Islam” comes from the Arabic root “S-L-M,” which means peace, purity, submission, and obedience. In a religious sense, Islam means peaceful, willing submission to God’s guidance. This concept is central to the faith, making Islam not just a religion, but a complete way of life. It influences every part of a believer’s existence.

Islam as a Way of Life

Allah sent prophets and messengers with the teachings of Islam, offering a complete approach to life. It covers both spiritual and practical aspects, ensuring that a Muslim’s relationship with God is at the heart of their daily actions.

As the Quran states in Surat Al-An’am:

“ Say, “Surely my prayer, my sacrifice, my life, and my death are all for Allah—Lord of all worlds. He has no partner. So I am commanded, and so I am the first to submit.” ” (Quran 6:162)

" title="Advertise and Market to Muslims" target="_blank">Ads by Muslim Ad Network

These verses capture the idea that every action in Islam, whether religious or mundane, should be done to seek Allah’s pleasure.

The Foundation of Islam: Monotheism

What distinguishes Islam from other belief systems is its unwavering emphasis on monotheism. Unlike religions that might allow for the worship of multiple deities or idols, Islam firmly rejects any form of polytheism. Instead, it stresses the exclusive worship of the One God, Allah, Who is the Creator of all that exists and the One to Whom all creation will eventually return.

Monotheism, the belief in one God, is the core of Islamic faith. Islam teaches that Allah is the Sole Creator and Sustainer of the universe. No one and nothing else shares His divine attributes. His qualities are beyond comparison; He is Absolute, Perfect, and Unique. This belief is essential and unchanging in Islam, guiding Muslims to worship only Allah.

Exploring the Origins of Islam

Now that we understand the meaning and significance of Islam, it’s natural to wonder about its origins. We will explore that in future discussions. For now, may peace be upon you as you continue your journey of discovery. As-salamu alaykum!

Read in This Series

When did islam start, core beliefs and practices of islam, privacy overview.

Synonym of the day

Abode is a synonym of home, abode is another word for home.

✅ A home refers to the place where one lives and feels comfortable ( She returned home after a long day ).

✅ An abode is a more formal term for a place of residence ( He settled into his new abode in the countryside ).

✅ Both words describe a place where someone lives.

✅ Home is the more common and emotionally charged term, while abode is often used in more formal, academic, or legal contexts ( The cozy home felt welcoming; The grand abode was described in legal documents ).

See all synonyms for home

Sign Up Now For Synonym Of The Day

• By clicking "I'M IN", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy policies.
• Phone This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

wanton is a synonym of evil

Wanton is another word for evil.

✅ Evil means profoundly immoral or wicked ( The villain’s actions were pure evil ).

✅ Wanton refers to reckless or malicious behavior, often without justification ( My wanton disregard for the rules caused many problems ).

✅ Both terms describe immoral or harmful behavior.

✅ Evil is a more general term for profound wickedness, while wanton implies a more specific, unrestrained behavior ( The evil plan was devised in secrecy; The wanton destruction was shocking ).

See all synonyms for evil

• Email This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

languish is a synonym of wither

Languish is another word for wither.

✅ Wither means to dry up, shrivel, or decline in vitality ( The plants began to wither in the drought ).

✅ Languish means to suffer or weaken from neglect or hardship ( The project languished due to lack of funding ).

✅ Both terms describe a decline or deterioration.

✅ Wither often refers to physical or visible decline, while languish can be used for both physical and abstract suffering ( The withered leaves fell from the tree; The languishing business struggled to stay afloat ).

See all synonyms for wither

• Name This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Start every day with the Synonym of the Day right in your inbox

• Aug 22, 2024 alloy
• Aug 21, 2024 sodden
• Aug 20, 2024 broach
• Aug 19, 2024 abyss
• Aug 18, 2024 destitute
• Aug 17, 2024 clarify
• Aug 16, 2024 obsequious
• Aug 15, 2024 complement
• Aug 14, 2024 accredited

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

• By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy policies.
• Phone This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Word of the Day

Word of the day.

characterized by great knowledge; learned or scholarly

Why Dictionary.com chose erudite

More about erudite.

• First recorded between 1375–1425.
• From Latin ērudītus , equivalent to ērud(ē)- ( ē- , intensive prefix + rud-, “unformed, rough, rude”) + -ītus , adjective suffix.
• See origin at e- 1 , rude , -ite 2 .

EXAMPLES OF ERUDITE

• She impressed the interview panel with her erudite responses, showcasing her extensive knowledge of the subject.
• During the debate, his erudite arguments made it clear he had thoroughly researched the topic.

foolish or silly behavior

Why Dictionary.com chose tomfoolery

More about tomfoolery.

• First recorded in 1805–15; see tomfool + -ery .

EXAMPLES OF TOMFOOLERY

• Their constant tomfoolery at the party made everyone laugh, though some found it slightly annoying.
• The office meeting was interrupted by a round of tomfoolery that lightened the mood.

a picture of a cloud or clouds

Why Dictionary.com chose nephogram

More about nephogram.

• Apparently first used in the early 1900s in academic and meteorological circles.
• Formed from the Greek nepho- , “cloud” + -gram ² , “drawing.”

EXAMPLES OF NEPHOGRAM

• The meteorologist studied the nephogram to determine the cloud cover over the region.
• To better understand cloud dynamics, the team analyzed a series of nephograms taken throughout the day.

Get A Vocabulary Boost In Your Inbox

• By clicking "I'M IN", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy policies.
• Comments This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
• Aug 26, 2024 disingenuous
• Aug 25, 2024 squeegee
• Aug 24, 2024 nidificate
• Aug 23, 2024 maelstrom
• Aug 22, 2024 splendiferous
• Aug 21, 2024 clepsydra
• Aug 20, 2024 endemic
• Aug 19, 2024 skedaddle
• Aug 18, 2024 scrofulous

Where Did The Term ‘Scab’ Come From?

Senior Reporter, HuffPost Life

Labor unions have made big headlines this year thanks to organized activity like the Writers Guild of America and French pension reform strikes . During demonstrations like these, a very interesting word tends to arise: scab.

In the context of organized labor, scab is a derogatory term referring to a worker who declines to join a union, leaves the union or accepts a job during a strike in the place of a striking employee. It’s someone who “crosses the picket line” during an ongoing strike, thus weakening the striking workers’ bargaining power.

A scab might also be someone who works for lower wages and under different conditions than those set by the union. The words “strikebreaker” and the more old-fashioned “blackleg” and “knobstick” have also been used in place of scab.

Since around 1989, according to the Guardian, many unions have called out companies employing nonunion labor by placing a large inflatable rat at their worksites. The rat quickly earned the nickname “Scabby” and generally features large teeth and a scab-covered belly.

For those less familiar with union jargon, the word “scab” typically evokes the hard coating that forms on a wound as it heals. But is that where this derisive labor movement term came from?

“‘Scab’ started getting used for scoundrels and disreputable people in the late 16th century, possibly related to a similar use of ‘schabbe’ in Dutch,” lexicographer and Wall Street Journal columnist Ben Zimmer told HuffPost. “Then in the late 18th century, it got applied to workers who refused to join trade unions.”

The scoundrel definition of scab came well after its bodily injury-related use. The Oxford English Dictionary sources the first recording of scab in 1250 to mean “skin disease.” Around 1400, the word appeared with its more modern definition of a crust that forms over a cut or sore.

As Zimmer noted, scab had taken on its meaning as a slang insult by the 1580s. Many researchers believe this is related to the idea of a disreputable person’s lifestyle ― that a scoundrel might have scabs and sores due to a disease like syphilis.

If so, the late 1700s shift from a general good-for-nothing pejorative to a despised worker who refuses to join a labor movement is an unsurprising progression. It’s also quite fitting, as a scab worker helps an employer stop bleeding out more money, much like clotted blood becomes a hard formation over a wound.

Zimmer noted that the Oxford English Dictionary cites Bonner & Middleton’s Bristol Journal from July 5, 1777, as the first use in that context:

To the Public. Whereas the Master Cordwainers have gloried, that there has been a Demur amongst the Men’s and Women’s Men;—we have the Pleasure to inform them, that Matters are amicably settled... The Conflict would not been so sharp had not there been so many dirty Scabs; no Doubt but timely Notice will be taken of them.

Zimmer also pointed to another Oxford example from the Articles of the Friendly and United Society of Cordwainers ― a type of shoemaker ― from June 4, 1792:

Some of the Articles make mention of scabs. And what is a scab? He is to his trade what a traitor is to his country; though both may be useful to one party in troublesome times, when peace returns they are detested alike by all. When help is wanted, he is the last to contribute assistance, and the first to grasp a benefit he never laboured to procure. He cares but for himself, but he sees not beyond the extent of a day, and for a momentary and worthless approbation, would betray friends, family and country. In short, he is a traitor on a small scale. He first sells the journeymen, and is himself afterwards sold in his turn by the masters, till at last he is despised by both and deserted by all. He is an enemy to himself, to the present age and to posterity.

“In these early uses, a ‘scab’ was someone who didn’t join a labor union, but in the 19th century, its meaning shifted to refer specifically to a strikebreaker or someone crossing a picket line,” Zimmer explained.

An early 20th-century poem typically attributed to Jack London called “Ode To A Scab” illustrates attitudes toward strikebreakers in that era. It begins:

After God had finished the rattlesnake, the toad, and the vampire, He had some awful substance left with which He made a scab. A scab is a two-legged animal with a corkscrew soul, a waterlogged brain, and a combination backbone made of jelly and glue. Where others have hearts, he carries a tumor of rotten principles.

In 2023, those who cross picket lines are certainly not held in much higher esteem by members of labor unions and beyond. The WGA has a scab-reporting website where members are required to identify known strikebreakers. Disciplinary measures include expulsion or suspension from union membership, monetary fines and censure.

That’s on top of the public shaming scabs endure on social media and in-person protest signage, but altogether, it may be a relatively light modern punishment considering that strikebreaking historically led to brutal violence .

From Our Partner

Huffpost shopping’s best finds, more in life.