anecdote
UK: ˈænɪkdəʊt | US: ˈænɪkdoʊt
n. a short, amusing, or interesting story about a real incident or person
n. (historical) previously unpublished or secret accounts of events
The word "anecdote" originates from Greek anekdota ("things unpublished"), composed of an- (not) + ekdotos ("given out"). It referred to Procopius’s 6th-century secret histories of Emperor Justinian’s court, later evolving to mean brief, revealing stories. The morphemes reflect secrecy (not given out), aligning with its original sense of withheld narratives before broadening to amusing tales.
She shared a humorous anecdote about her first day at work.
His speech was filled with personal anecdotes from his travels.
The book includes rare anecdotes about the famous scientist’s private life.
Grandfather’s wartime anecdotes always captivated the family.
The article opens with an anecdote illustrating the city’s cultural shift.