novella

UK: nəˈvɛlə | US: noʊˈvɛlə

Definition
  1. n. a short novel or narrative work of fiction, typically longer than a short story but shorter than a novel

Structure
novel <new, story>la <diminutive suffix>
Etymology

novella = novel<new, story> + la<diminutive suffix>

  • novel (from Latin novellus, diminutive of novus "new") → Refers to a fresh or original story.
  • la (Italian diminutive suffix) → Indicates a smaller or shorter form.

Etymology Origin:
The word novella originates from Italian, where it literally means "a little new thing." It stems from the Latin novellus, a diminutive of novus ("new"), reflecting its role as a shorter, newer form of narrative compared to a full-length novel. The term gained prominence during the Renaissance, particularly through Boccaccio's Decameron, which popularized the format as a distinct literary genre.

Examples
  1. She wrote a captivating novella that was published in a literary magazine.

  2. The novella explores complex themes in just under 100 pages.

  3. Many classic sci-fi authors experimented with the novella format.

  4. His latest work is a novella set in 19th-century Venice.

  5. The publisher specializes in anthologies featuring modern novellas.