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backstory

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /ˈbækstɔːri/

backstory means: The earlier events in someone’s life that explain their present situation, especially for a fictional character.

noun

EARLIER LIFEB2

The earlier events in someone’s life that explain their present situation, especially for a fictional character.

  • The film explains her backstory.
  • Each character has a different backstory.
  • His childhood appears later in the backstory.

How to use it: the backstory of someone/something (The novel reveals the backstory of the detective.)

Similar words: background, personal history

Common phrases: character backstory, tragic backstory, backstory of someone

INVENTED HISTORYC1

A made-up personal history used to hide someone’s real past or purpose.

  • The spy invented a backstory.
  • Her false backstory included a job in Paris.
  • He practiced his backstory before meeting the suspect.

Similar words: cover story

Common phrases: false backstory, convincing backstory, invent a backstory

Questions about backstory

What does backstory mean?

The earlier events in someone’s life that explain their present situation, especially for a fictional character.

What is backstory in other languages?

Türkçe: geçmiş hikâyesi · Español: historia previa · Français: histoire personnelle · Deutsch: Vorgeschichte · Italiano: retroscena · 日本語: 背景設定

How do you pronounce backstory?

It is pronounced /ˈbækstɔːri/.

How do you use backstory in a sentence?

The film explains her backstory. Each character has a different backstory.

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backstory in other languages

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