fairy story

Friendly

Word: Fairy Story

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: A "fairy story" is a type of tale that often includes magical creatures like fairies, talking animals, and fantastical adventures. These stories are usually designed to entertain children but can also be enjoyed by adults. Sometimes, "fairy story" can refer to any story that seems very unlikely or unbelievable, often used to excuse something.

Usage Instructions:

• Context: Use "fairy story" when talking about children's literature or when describing something that sounds too good to be true.
• Example in a Sentence: "The children loved listening to the fairy story about a princess who could talk to animals."

Advanced Usage:

In a more advanced context, "fairy story" can also imply that something is unrealistic or fanciful, particularly in everyday conversation. For example, someone might say, "His explanation for being late sounded like a fairy story," meaning it was not believable.

Word Variants:

• Fairy Tale: This term is often used interchangeably with "fairy story," but it can also refer more specifically to traditional stories passed down through generations.
• Fairyland: A mythical place where fairies live, often mentioned in fairy stories.

Different Meanings:

1. Children's Literature: Refers to stories meant to entertain and spark imagination in children.
2. Figurative Use: When used to describe a situation or explanation that seems unrealistic or fanciful.

Synonyms:

• Fable: A short story, typically with a moral, featuring animals as characters.
• Tall Tale: An exaggerated, improbable story that is told as if it were true.
• Fantasy: A genre of fiction set in an imaginary universe, often involving magic.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While there are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "fairy story," the term can be used in phrases like: - "That's a fairy story!" - Used to express disbelief in someone's explanation. - "Living in a fairy tale." - This means someone is living in a dream or unrealistic situation.

Summary:

A "fairy story" brings to mind images of magical adventures and childhood wonder. It can also be used in everyday language to describe something that seems unbelievable.

Academic

Noun

1. an interesting but highly implausible story; often told as an excuse
2. a story about fairies; told to amuse children

Synonyms

• fairytale
• fairy tale
• cock-and-bull story
• song and dance